What are the Best Solutions for Single Sided Deafness?
If you only have clear hearing in one ear, then you know how much single-sided deafness can impact your daily life. People with single-sided deafness (SSD) often find themselves turning their heads frequently, missing some important sounds and conversations, and struggling to keep up with communication (especially in social settings).
The good news is that modern advancements in the hearing industry have brought about specialized treatments that can help you have balanced hearing. In this article, we are taking a look at some of the best solutions you might consider, including CROS, BI-CROS, and BAHA systems.
Rest assured knowing that you are not alone in this journey. There are many options to consider, and our team is here to help you enjoy the best hearing possible.
Single-Sided Deafness (And Why Standard Hearing Aids Don’t Cut It)
People diagnosed with single-sided deafness, also known as unilateral hearing loss, have one normal ear and another ear with little to no hearing. The ear with the hearing issues is known as the “unaidable ear” or a “dead ear.” SSD can occur as sudden hearing loss caused by a variety of issues, such as head trauma, acoustic neuroma, viral infections, or even congenital issues.
One of the issues with SSD is that it becomes hard to tell where sound is coming from. People start to feel frustrated in noisy environments, especially if they are having a hard time with communication in these social settings. It can be isolating to struggle with hearing issues around other people.
When an ear still has some level of hearing, then hearing aids can work great to amplify the sounds. But if the ear is unaidable, then the amplification won’t make a difference. So, the goal of SSD treatment is to get the sound from the deaf side over to the hearing side. Specialized systems are available to help with this treatment approach.
Option #1: CROS Hearing Aids
The first treatment option that might be discussed is known as CROS: Contralateral Routing of Signal. This solution is ideal for people who have normal hearing in one ear and no hearing in the other.
The technology works by putting a microphone in the deaf ear. The sounds picked up with this microphone are transmitted through a receiver to the good ear. Even though hearing in the deaf ear is not restored, the sounds can be redirected so that you aren’t missing environmental cues or parts of the conversation from that side.
CROS can be an effective solution for people who need help in meetings, or in loud and busy environments such as restaurants and social settings. It works great if you have people speaking on your non-hearing side.
Rest assured knowing that CRO systems are very discreet. This digital system is small and effective. But you will need time for the brain to adjust, so you will need to practice using it while getting used to the system.
BI-CROS: Help for the “Good” Ear as Well
In addition to the CROS system described above, there are times when hearing amplification is also needed for the hearing ear. For example, you might have one dead ear, and the other ear has some hearing loss. Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signal (BI-CROS) uses a mic on the deaf ear to send sounds to the better ear. At the same time, the better ear is also receiving sound amplification.
BI-CROS is a 2-for-1 system. You can hear sounds from both sides and have amplification customization based on your hearing ability and unique needs. This system is a bit more complex and can be an effective part of a bigger hearing treatment plan.
One of the main benefits of BI-CROS is that you can get the benefits of CROS and hearing amplification, without the need to wear two traditional hearing aids.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) for Direct Sound Conduction
BAHA can be used as a magnet-based or surgical solution that transmits sound through hearing equipment that works through bone conduction. With this treatment, a small titanium post or magnet is attached to the bone located behind the deaf ear.
Instead of the sound moving through the ear canal, this section of the ear is bypassed, and the bone vibration sends the sound to the inner ear directly. It’s a non-traditional approach, but it works well for some people. BAHA might be ideal for people who get chronic ear infections or can’t tolerate ear molds.
The good news is that BAHA is very effective, especially in noisy environments. There is less feedback, and you don’t have the discomfort of anything blocking the ear canal. But some people feel like this treatment isn’t for them because they don’t want to have surgery or they don’t like the idea of using a headband system to hold it in place.
What SSD Treatment Option is Right for You?
With all of the options available, how do you choose the right system for your unique needs? We recommend scheduling a consultation with our experienced hearing team. We’ll evaluate your hearing levels, discuss your lifestyle and goals, and then provide personalized suggestions to help you achieve the best results possible.
The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for hearing treatments. We are here to empower your decision making and accommodate your preferences every step of the way. Your comfort is our goal, ensuring that the treatment is ideal for the types of environments where you are often spending time.
Our audiologists at Fairfax Hearing Center will test both ears and map out your treatment plan. Not only do we look at the technical recommendations, but it’s also important to consider the practicality of your treatment and the emotional aspects of hearing treatments.
Call the Hearing Experts: Fairfax Hearing Center
We offer much more than sound amplification. Our intention is to help you enjoy clarity of hearing, comfort at all times, and confidence in your treatment plan. We understand how challenging it can be to live with single-sided deafness. Rest assured knowing that this hearing loss doesn’t have to define your experience.
When you are ready for more information, reach out to us to schedule a consultation. We will help you find the right solution. Contact us online or give us a call at your convenience at (703) 343-9732.
