Unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear)

Image shows man with unilateral hearing loss

What is unilateral hearing loss?

Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) is when a person experiences normal hearing in one ear and hearing loss in the other ear. In contrast, bilateral hearing loss is when hearing loss is experienced in both ears.

Unilateral hearing loss, sometimes referred to as single-sided deafness (SSD) or deafness in one ear, is a form of hearing loss that affects millions of people all around the world.

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Book a FREE* hearing check for unilateral hearing loss

Book a FREE* hearing check to find out if you have unilateral hearing loss (or any other type of hearing loss). We can suggest treatment options and help you understand your condition better.
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Symptoms of unilateral hearing loss

Image shows lady keeping hand close to her ear
Inability to follow conversations from the ear with hearing impairment
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Inability to understand speech and conversations amidst background noise
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Inability to localize which direction sounds are coming from
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Causes of hearing loss in one ear

There are a number of recognized causes of unilateral hearing loss, including:

  • Mastoiditis
  • Mumps
  • Waardenburg syndrome
  • Ménière's disease
  • Meningitis
  • Microtia
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Measles
  • Acoustic neuroma
  • Physical trauma

Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis) 

Treatment for hearing loss in one ear

There are many effective treatment options for unilateral hearing loss available, although the results of treatment depend on a broad range of factors and circumstances.

Typical treatments include:

  • Hearing aids
  • Bone anchored hearing systems
  • Cochlear implants

Book a FREE* hearing check to learn about your hearing needs and discuss potential treatment options with a hearing care expert.

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Conductive vs. sensorineural unilateral hearing loss

Unilateral conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss occurs when sounds cannot pass freely through the eardrum or past the tiny bones, known as ossicles, in the middle ear. This is due to a breakdown in the effectiveness of sound waves being sent from the outer ear.
Conductive hearing loss


Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, occurs when there is damage to the hair cells in the cochlea (found in the inner ear) or to the nerve pathways which lead from the inner ear to the brain. A person may also suffer from mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss

Diem_grey_background_196
Diem Smith - Clinician

BSc, M.Aud (Hons), MNZAS, CCC

Diem graduated from the University of Auckland in 2000 and began her career in the public sector at the National Audiology Centre.  She then went on to work in London at a specialist paediatric hospital for 2 years.

On her return to New Zealand Diem worked for a hearing aid manufacturer for 5 years as a sales and product support audiologist before a move to the Bay of Plenty where she worked with adults and children for 5 years at a private clinic in Whakatane. This clinic also provided public hospital audiology support for the Eastern Bay of Plenty.  

Diem has now been with Audika for the past 10 years in various roles, one of which was Clinical Trainer where she enjoyed being able to support her fellow clinicians to provide quality hearing care for all Audika clients. During this time, Diem was also on the NZAS Executive Council for two years. Her many years of experience and well-honed skills has allowed her to help reconnect her clients with their family and loved ones on their hearing journey.