Hearing loss comes in a wide range of types and degrees. While a particular treatment option may work for some, it may not be recommended for others. One of the most challenging types of hearing loss to treat is single-sided deafness. Some experts now suggest that bone-anchored hearing devices may be the right option.
What Is Single-Sided Deafness?
Unilateral hearing loss, more commonly known as single-sided deadness, is a type of hearing loss that occurs in only one ear. With normal hearing in one ear and severe or profound hearing loss in the other, those with this condition have a hard time determining where sounds are coming from. In addition to trouble localizing sounds, it is common for someone with unilateral hearing loss to have a problem understanding speech in an area with a lot of background noise, such as Wicked Barley or another loud establishment.
Treatment Options
The most common treatment for this kind of hearing loss is a CROS or BiCROS hearing aid system. This system requires the user to wear a device in both ears, not just in the ear that has hearing loss.
While this treatment option works for many, not all patients with single-sided deafness can benefit from this hearing aid system. For those individuals, a bone-anchored hearing device may be best.
What Are Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids?
A bone-anchored hearing aid is an implanted device that works by passing sound information to the inner ear through the mastoid bone of the skull.
The surgical procedure, which is performed with either local or general anesthesia, implants a small device within the bone behind the ear. Over the next few months, the device is integrated into the mastoid bone. Once this process is complete, an audiologist will program the processor based on the results of your hearing exam and attach it. The processor picks up sounds from your environment and, through vibrations, is able to pass this information along to your inner ear.
Bone-anchored hearing devices are a seamless hearing solution that allows your inner ear to process sounds like normal.
According to one study of 25 patients, researchers found that bone-anchored hearing aids can offer significant benefits to patients with single-sided deafness. To learn more about bone-anchored hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a single-sided deafness professional, contact The McCoy Institute today.
