Single-sided deafness, otherwise known as unilateral hearing loss, is when a person has normal hearing in one ear, yet little or no hearing in the other ear. While most with single-sided deafness (SSD) go on to live normal lives, relying on just one ‘good’ ear can be challenging.
There are a number of potential causes of unilateral hearing loss. Head trauma or damage to the ear can cause SSD, as can viral infections, problems with circulation, diseases and tumors to name a few.
The symptoms of SSD vary, but difficulty deciphering direction of sound is common among patients. Our brains are designed to use both ears when it comes to hearing, so when you can only hear from one, individuals with SSD can find it hard to work out where sound is coming from. Selective hearing can also be particularly difficult in noisy places, making it hard to focus on just one sound, and SSD sufferers may find it hard to multi task and concentrate.
Should your child begin to display any of the above symptoms, book them in to get a hearing test. There could be more to it than simply being distracted in class.
Regular hearing checks are important in the prevention of hearing loss. Avoid loud noises and wear hearing protection whenever you find yourself in a noisy environment. Hearsafe Australia can suggest the best hearing protection to suit your particular surroundings and prevent hearing loss.
Contact us now at www.hearsafeaustralia.com.au
