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People with reduced hearing in one ear can still manage conversation well in quiet environments. This can give others the impression that single-sided deafness isn’t a big deal. Even amongst ENT surgeons in the past there was a view that as long as the other ear was ok, intervention wasn’t worth it.
However, we know there are specific difficulties associated with reduced hearing in one ear:
Options to rehabilitate partial deafness include:
However, once deafness reaches profound levels in one ear, even the loudest amplification won’t help. Focus then moves to sending sound over from the deaf side to the good ear. Options for this are:
Sending sound to the good ear will overcome the ‘head shadow effect’ but won’t help with ‘spatial hearing’ (Good for crossing the road, not so for finding your ringing phone)
There is however another emerging option: Cochlear Implantation for single-sided deafness. Research over the last decade has shown that ‘spatial hearing’ and improved ‘speech in noise’ can be achieved. Consequently, cochlear implantation for single-sided deafness gained FDA approval in 2019. Multi-specialist assessment involving audiology & speech therapy is essential before implant surgery.
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Our consultants, who are all either heads of service at London teaching hospitals, or have played major roles in clinical innovation, employ their collective expertise, knowledge and deep experience to deliver the best care possible. Each team is made up of some of the country’s most well-regarded experts in their sub-specialist fields.