With single-sided deafness (a type of unilateral hearing loss) affecting more than 60,000 Americans, many are turning to hearing aids. They do so to improve their ability to hear. One of the most common treatments for single-sided deafness is wearing a hearing aid on one ear only. This setup is also known as 'monaural' or 'unilateral' hearing aid use.
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While this can be an effective solution for some, there are several considerations to be aware of when using a hearing aid on one ear only.
This article covers the pros and cons of using a hearing aid on one ear only.
Get to know its use cases, who should wear it, and what to expect when considering this type of usage.
What Are One-Ear Hearing Aids?
A single or one-ear hearing aid is a device that is worn over one ear only.
It amplifies sound from the side it's placed on, allowing you to hear better in that direction.
This type of hearing aid can be beneficial for those with single-sided deafness or unilateral hearing loss. Doing this helps them to focus their attention on sounds coming from the unaffected side.
SSD vs. Unilateral Hearing Loss
Unilateral hearing loss occurs when one ear has a greater degree of hearing impairment than the other. Meanwhile, SSD refers to an absence of sound in one ear, making it only a type of unilateral hearing loss.
Both can be treated with monaural or unilateral hearing aids. That's why individual cases must be discussed with a qualified audiologist before deciding which type would be best.
Types of Hearing Aids Used for One Ear Only
Some general types of hearing aids that can be used for one ear only include:
Behind-the-ear (BTE):
This is the most common type of hearing aid. It's a small device worn behind the ear and connected to a tube that fits inside the ear canal.
In-the-ear (ITE):
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, an in-the-ear hearing aid may be a good choice. This type of device fits completely inside the ear and is customized to fit your ear shape.
Canal hearing aids:
Such can fit completely or partially in the ear canal. They are more discreet and designed to fit snugly in the ear for maximum comfort and sound delivery. Meanwhile, the receiver-in-canal (RIC) has its receiver, or speaker, placed in the ear canal.
Use Cases of a Single Hearing Aid
Using a hearing aid for one ear only can help reduce the effects of single-sided deafness or unilateral hearing loss. As a result, it is often used in the following cases:
- When there's a minor difference between the ears, such as slight asymmetry in their hearing thresholds
- When an individual experiences tinnitus, or ringing sounds, in one ear only
- To help with balance when an individual is suffering from vertigo or dizziness due to single-sided deafness
- When there are health conditions preventing the use of two hearing aids.
Buying One Hearing Aid as a Replacement
Another common reason for buying individual hearing aids is replacements. If you've lost one of your two hearing aids, it typically won't make sense to buy a whole new set unless you're looking to upgrade your hearing aid technology.
For lost hearing aids, replacing only the missing one is often the most economical decision. Still, if you've had your hearing aid for a few years before losing it, you might be better off buying a new set.
Hearing technology is like phone technology in that they're both always being iterated on for a better experience. Buying a pair of newer, high-tech hearing aids makes sense if you prefer to have the latest and greatest features offered today.
Who Should Use a Hearing Aid for One Ear Only?
When considering whether to use a single or one-ear hearing aid, it is important to speak with your doctor and audiologist about your specific condition.
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Generally speaking, those with mild to moderate unilateral hearing loss can benefit from wearing a single hearing aid.
However, some people have more severe unilateral hearing loss or asymmetric hearing thresholds between both ears. If so, two separate devices may be necessary in order to experience optimal sound quality.
Benefits and Drawbacks Associated With the Use of a Single Hearing Aid
The main benefit of using a single hearing aid is that it can provide better sound quality than two devices. This is because the device can be tailored to your specific hearing needs and can also be adjusted more easily.
Additionally, since there’s only one device, you don’t have to worry about purchasing and managing two separate devices.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks associated with using a single hearing aid.
Such include an increased chance of feedback (whistling noises).
There can also be difficulty in locating sounds coming from behind or beside you due to the lack of directional microphones on one side. In some rare cases, people with SSD experience potential discomfort when wearing just one earpiece.
What Experts Say
It's recognized that the brain processes sound better when there's input from both ears, which is also called sound localization. This helps people in understanding speech, distinguish between different noises, and determine the direction from which sound is coming.
One study from the National Library of Medicine found something about those who preferred to use two hearing aids.
They experienced outcomes that were significantly better than those who used a single device. Additionally, the more severe their conditions were, the more they preferred two separate devices.
This might mean that people with mild to moderate unilateral hearing loss will more likely prefer one hearing aid only. Harvard opposes this preference.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, there is no proof that ear nerves deteriorate with only the weakened ear being aided. However, using two hearing devices can help the nervous system process sound better and maintain balance.
Wearing hearing aids in both ears provides better sound quality because doing so enhances the binaural processing of sound.
This means that the two devices communicate with each other to provide balanced signals the brain can process more effectively.
Final Thoughts
You may find resources telling you to use just one or two hearing aids, depending on your condition. However, the above-mentioned study and Harvard's health school recommend that it is important to consult with your doctor and audiologist.
They will be able to provide you with personalized advice on which hearing aid setup is best for your condition. Even better, you can ask them if you're allowed to put two hearing aids on a trial period to see which one works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does one hearing aid usually cost?
For a quality hearing aid at your local clinic, you can expect to pay a few thousand for a single hearing aid. Single hearing aids vary in price based on specs with pricing between $1,000 and $3,000 being typical.
Are there any issues with wearing only one hearing aid?
Generally, buying a pair of hearing aids is recommended for the best results. When you buy a pair, you're ensuring better sound localization. That being said, if you have very mild hearing loss, buying a single hearing aid can still provide hearing benefits.
