Single-Sided Deafness Provo UT
We Provide Top-Notch Care for Individuals with SSD
Single-sided deafness, also known as SSD, refers to the condition in which an individual suffers from hearing loss in one ear while the other ear functions normally. While bilateral hearing loss is more prevalent, approximately 60,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with SSD annually. Although there is currently no cure for SSD, effective management options are available. At Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus, our team of hearing experts is dedicated to finding the best solution for your individual needs. We proudly serve the residents of Provo, UT, and its surrounding areas.
What Causes SSD?
SSD can be attributed to various factors, including acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor that gradually develops and exerts pressure on the auditory nerve, resulting in hearing loss in one ear. Sudden deafness is another condition that is commonly associated with SSD. It is marked by a sudden onset of hearing loss without any warning signs, typically following a viral infection. This condition results from cochlear inflammation that can lead to permanent damage to the hair cells responsible for hearing.
Other causes of SSD include:
- Trauma to the head
- Genetic disorders
- Meniere’s disease
- Labyrinthitis
- Microtia
- Mastoiditis
- Common childhood diseases such as measles & mumps
Individuals diagnosed with SSD commonly experience challenges with speech comprehension in noisy environments and face difficulty in localizing sounds due to the absence of hearing cues from one ear. This can confuse the brain when trying to identify the source of sounds. SSD can also lead to various other symptoms such as stress, anxiety, social isolation, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and speaking at a higher volume than usual.
What Treatments Are Available for SSD?
At our clinic, we recognize the difficulties that come with single-sided deafness and strive to offer effective solutions. While SSD has no cure, we can provide coping techniques to improve your quality of life. Traditional hearing aids may not work for SSD, but we offer Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) hearing aids to enhance your hearing and sound localization. These devices use a microphone positioned near the affected ear and an amplifier near the unaffected ear to capture and transmit sounds to your good ear. We also offer BICROS, which is similar to CROS but is suitable for those with some hearing loss in one ear and complete deafness in the other.
Another option is a surgically implanted Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), which transmits sound directly from the affected ear to the normal ear via direct bone conduction. It stimulates the cochlear hair cells by transmitting vibrations through the bones of the ear canal and middle ear. Our hearing experts are committed to helping you explore your options and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
Schedule a Consultation
Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus recognizes the difficulties that come with living with single-sided deafness. We believe that you don't have to face this challenge alone, and our experienced team is here to offer personalized solutions to enhance your hearing and improve your overall quality of life. Our Complimentary New Patient Consultation provides an opportunity for us to understand your specific hearing needs through a comprehensive evaluation and discuss all possible treatment options. Our primary objective is to develop an individualized treatment plan for you. To schedule a consultation at our American Fork or Spanish Fork offices, please contact us at (385) 449-3637 or complete our online form. We're dedicated to serving the residents of Provo, UT, and surrounding communities.