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Unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear)

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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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Illustration of unilateral hearing loss with soundwaves on one side and a red cross symbol on the other.
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Book a free test for unilateral hearing loss

Schedule a free hearing test 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

Senior woman with gray hair and braided hairstyle leaning forward with hand near her ear, appearing to listen attentively.
Inability to follow conversations from the ear with hearing impairment.
People engaging in lively group conversations at a social gathering.
Inability to understand speech and conversations amidst background noise.
Hand cupped near an ear, indicating listening or hearing care.
Inability to localise which direction sounds are coming from.
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Causes of hearing loss in one ear

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


Age-related hearing loss (Presbycusis) 

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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 hearing test 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

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FAQ

audiologist female
Written by: Sarah Sheehan, Chief Audiologist, ISHAA Member
Sarah Sheehan is an esteemed member of our HR, L&D and Compliance Department, who joined Hidden Hearing in 2018 as an audiologist. Sarah’s career has seen her work in a wide range of areas within the company and she is committed to providing education about audiology and keeping abreast of current audiology trends.

Last reviewed 2025-07-01

Sources

1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2017.1337938
2. https://www.asha.org/siteassets/ais/ais-unilateral-hearing-loss.pdf
3. https://journals.lww.com/ear-hearing/fulltext/2020/03000/effects_of_simulated_and_profound_unilateral.19.aspx

Relevant links

  1. Home
  2. Hearing loss
  3. Types
  4. In one ear