Hearing loss isn’t always equal between ears. Learn more about it here.
Binaural hearing is what most people have: equal hearing in both ears. Hearing loss is also sadly very prevalent, whether at a mild or severe level, but did you know that hearing loss is not necessarily even in both ears? Asymmetrical hearing loss has different causes and treatment options and can be diagnosed by your audiologist–here’s more about this phenomenon.
What Is Asymmetrical Hearing Loss?
Asymmetrical hearing loss is when the hearing ability in each ear differs by 10 decibels or more. When someone has asymmetrical hearing loss, it can be harder to stay balanced and stay aware of one’s surroundings. It would also be harder to hear speech or stay connected with conversations, even if one ear is normal or close to perfect hearing.
Causes of Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
Asymmetrical hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, based on what the cause is and its treatment. Here are a few of the causes that could cause asymmetrical hearing loss overall:
- Impacted earwax
- Traumatic brain injury
- Sudden loud noise exposure
- Ear infection
- Acoustic neuroma (benign tumor)
- Meniere’s disease
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your local audiologist can run different tests to determine the condition of your hearing in each ear and the cause of your hearing problem. An audiologist can also treat your hearing or refer you to a professional who can offer the right treatment.
Hearing treatments can range greatly. Here are just a few examples:
- Earwax irrigation
- Antibiotics for an ear infection or ruptured eardrum
- Rest
- Getting off of ototoxic medications
- CROS hearing aids
- Cochlear implant
- Surgery
See a Doctor Immediately if You Experience Sudden Hearing Loss
If you have experienced sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, contact your doctor as soon as you can. Sudden hearing loss is not always diagnosable, but prompt action can rescue your hearing or find a solution, such as a CROS hearing aid. Clarity Audiology can diagnose hearing loss, having professional experience for many years in the Columbia and Catonsville, MD, areas. If you need a friendly audiologist you can trust in central Maryland for yourself or a loved one, contact Clarity Audiology!
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.