“Asymmetrical hearing loss” refers to hearing loss that affects one ear more than the other. In this post, we review the signs, causes and treatments of asymmetrical hearing loss.
The Signs of Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
If you have asymmetrical hearing loss, you will probably find yourself sitting so your “good ear” is closer to a speaker when you join The Silver Screen Movie Club on a Thursday night.
Asymmetrical hearing loss can be confirmed by an audiologist at SoundLogic. After conducting a comprehensive hearing test, the results will be plotted on an audiogram, which is a graph that visually represents your hearing loss.
There are two lines on an audiogram, one representing each ear. In most cases of hearing loss, the lines more or less overlap. But with asymmetrical hearing loss, one line differs from the other at least 10 decibels across three or more frequencies. This is a sure sign you have asymmetrical hearing loss.
The Causes of Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
There are many possible causes of asymmetrical hearing loss, including:
- Shooter’s ear. This happens to people who shoot firearms for their job or hobby. Asymmetrical hearing loss from shooting firearms is caused by what is called the head shadow effect.
- Ear infection. If you have fluid in the ear, it can cause temporary asymmetrical hearing loss. If you experience recurrent ear infections, it can actually change the structures of your ears and cause permanent asymmetrical hearing loss.
- Impacted earwax. Your earwax keeps your ear canals lubricated and traps debris; however, if you overproduce it, it can become impacted. If this occurs in just one ear, asymmetrical hearing loss can result.
- Meniere’s disease. This condition causes episodes of hearing loss, dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which can affect one ear or both.
The Treatment Options for Asymmetrical Hearing Loss
If you have temporary asymmetrical hearing loss, it means there’s an underlying cause that can be identified and addressed. For example, antibiotics can clear up an infection while a professional at SoundLogic can remove impacted earwax.
If you have permanent asymmetrical hearing loss, it means you’ll need to be treated with hearing aids or cochlear implants, which are medical devices that can compensate for any damage to the auditory system.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call SoundLogic today.