Understanding Single-Sided Deafness (SSD)

Single-sided deafness or unilateral hearing loss occurs when a person has normal or near-normal hearing in one ear but experiences little to no hearing in the other.
This condition affects the ability to locate sounds, understand speech in noisy environments, and maintain auditory balance.

People with one ear hearing loss often struggle to determine where sounds originate. For instance, hearing someone call your name in a crowd can become confusing when you can’t tell which direction the sound came from. Moreover, the “good” ear ends up working harder to process all the incoming sounds, leading to fatigue and reduced listening comfort.

Common causes of unilateral hearing loss include:

• Viral infections (such as mumps or measles)
  
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
  
• Acoustic neuroma (a benign tumour on the hearing nerve)
  
• Trauma or head injury
  
• Meniere’s disease
  
• Congenital (birth-related) hearing loss
  

The Challenges of Living with One-Ear Hearing Loss

Single-sided hearing loss doesn’t just affect hearing; it impacts daily life in ways most people don’t realise. Everyday activities—watching TV, attending meetings, driving, or even dining out—can become frustrating.

Some of the main challenges include:

1. Difficulty hearing in noise: Without two functioning ears, separating speech from background noise is difficult.
   
2. Loss of sound localization: The brain uses input from both ears to determine where sounds are coming from.
   
3. Reduced hearing clarity: All sounds reach only one ear, leading to an unbalanced hearing experience.
   
4. Social isolation: Struggling to follow conversations can lead to frustration and withdrawal.
   

Thankfully, technology has advanced significantly, and solutions like the CROS and BiCROS hearing systems can restore balance and clarity.

CROS Hearing Aids: The Ideal Solution for Unilateral Hearing Loss

A CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) hearing aid is specifically designed for people with single-sided deafness.
It works by picking up sounds from the non-hearing side and wirelessly transmitting them to the better-hearing ear. This way, users can perceive sounds coming from both directions—even if one ear doesn’t function.

For instance, if someone speaks to you from your deaf side, the CROS hearing aid captures their voice and sends it to your good ear, ensuring you don’t miss out on important words.

Benefits of CROS Hearing Aids

• Improved awareness of sounds from all directions
  
• Better understanding in noisy settings
  
• Reduced need to turn your head constantly
  
• Enhanced comfort and social interaction
  

At The Hearing Centre Singapore, our audiologists fit and program CROS hearing aids from top global brands like:

• Signia Hearing Aids
  
• Phonak Hearing Aids
  
• Starkey Hearing Aids
  
• ReSound Hearing Aids
  

Each brand offers innovative wireless connectivity, sleek designs, and natural sound quality.

How BiCROS Hearing Aids Work for More Complex Cases

For individuals who have hearing loss in both ears—but one ear is significantly worse than the other—a BiCROS hearing aid system is recommended. This technology not only transmits sound from the poorer ear to the better one (like a CROS aid) but also amplifies the sound in the better ear to enhance overall hearing.

In simpler terms:

• CROS system: For one totally deaf ear and one normal ear.
  
• BiCROS system: For one totally deaf ear and one partially hearing ear.

Benefits of the BiCROS System

• Amplifies weak hearing in the better ear
  
• Transmits sound from the non-hearing side
  
• Balances listening in complex sound environments
  
• Provides a natural, two-sided hearing experience

Advanced Hearing Solutions for Single-Sided Deafness

Modern advanced hearing solutions go far beyond traditional amplification.
Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle, and ear health, our audiologists may recommend one of the following options:

1. Wireless CROS/BiCROS systems: These offer seamless connectivity and natural sound transmission.
   
2. Bone conduction hearing implants: For those who cannot use conventional hearing aid.
   
3. Cochlear implants are used in severe or total hearing loss cases where the inner ear nerve is damaged.

Each of these technologies is designed to restore directional awareness and make communication effortless again.

Diagnosing Single-Sided Deafness: The Importance of a Hearing Test

The first step toward treatment is accurate diagnosis.
Audiologists at The Hearing Centre Singapore conduct detailed tests to assess the level and type of hearing loss.

Our test options include:

• Pure Tone Audiometry Test – to measure hearing thresholds at different frequencies.
  
• ABR & ASSR Tests – to analyse hearing nerve responses.
  
• Tympanometry – to evaluate middle ear function.
  

After evaluation, your audiologist will recommend whether a CROS, BiCROS, or implant-based solution is best suited for your needs.

How CROS and BiCROS Systems Improve Daily Life

The biggest benefit of using hearing aids for single-sided deafness is the restoration of spatial awareness.
Users often describe the experience as “rediscovering balance in sound.” Instead of missing conversations or turning their heads constantly, they enjoy effortless listening in all directions.

Everyday situations where these systems make a difference include:

• Listening during meetings or in noisy restaurants
  
• Talking while driving
  
• Watching TV with family
  
• Hearing people approach from behind
  
• Participating in group conversations
  

These systems help restore confidence, reduce fatigue, and improve social participation.

Why Choose Professional Fitting and Maintenance

Choosing the right hearing aid is only the first step; proper fitting and maintenance are equally important.

Regular maintenance ensures:

• Proper sound calibration
  
• Consistent wireless performance
  
• Clean microphones and receivers
  
• Long-term device reliability

Customising Hearing Aids for Individual Needs

Every case of single-sided deafness is unique. That’s why The Hearing Centre Singapore focuses on personalised solutions.
Our audiologists consider factors such as:

• Type and degree of hearing loss
  
• Lifestyle (work, social, or active environments)
  
• Comfort and aesthetic preferences
  
• Technological features desired
  

Whether you prefer discreet in-the-ear models or behind-the-ear styles with Bluetooth connectivity, we tailor solutions to your lifestyle.

Comparing CROS and BiCROS Systems: Which One Do You Need?

At The Hearing Centre, our expert audiologists perform thorough evaluations before recommending the most effective hearing aid system for your needs.

Advanced Technology Behind Modern CROS Hearing Aids

The latest CROS hearing aids are small, wireless, and intelligent. They automatically adjust to the listening environment and deliver natural sound quality without distortion.

Key Features Include:

• Wireless connectivity: Transfers sound seamlessly from one side to the other.
  
• Directional microphones: Improve focus in noisy places.
  
• Rechargeable batteries: Provide full-day use without frequent replacement.
  
• Bluetooth compatibility: For direct streaming from smartphones or TVs.
  

Brands such as Phonak, Signia, Starkey, and ReSound are leaders in this space, known for innovation and superior sound clarity.

Cochlear Implants: When Hearing Aids Aren’t Enough

For individuals with total hearing loss in one ear where traditional or CROS hearing aids provide limited benefit, cochlear implants offer an advanced alternative.
These medical devices bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve.

Maintaining Your Hearing Device: Care Tips

Even the most advanced device requires regular maintenance to stay effective. Follow these care practices to keep your hearing aid in optimal condition:

1. Clean daily using a soft, dry cloth.
   
2. Avoid moisture and heat—store your device in a dry box.
   
3. Schedule regular servicing at a professional centre.
   
4. Replace wax guards as needed.
   
5. Update software during audiology visits.
   

For repairs and adjustments, visit The Hearing Centre’s service department. Our experts ensure your devices continue to perform reliably.

Why Choose The Hearing Centre Singapore

With over 20 years of experience, The Hearing Centre Singapore has been a trusted name in hearing care.
We combine advanced technology, expert audiologists, and personalised service to deliver the best possible outcomes for every patient.

Our services include:

• Comprehensive hearing tests
  
• Custom hearing aid fittings
  
• Hearing implants and cochlear implant services
  
• Repairs, cleaning, and adjustments
  
• Ear measurements and follow-up care
  

We believe hearing is more than a sense—it’s a connection to life itself.

Conclusion

Living with single-sided deafness doesn’t mean living in silence.
With today’s advanced hearing solutions like CROS hearing aids, BiCROS systems, and cochlear implants, individuals with unilateral hearing loss can enjoy clear, balanced, and natural hearing again.

At The Hearing Centre Singapore, our team of expert audiologists provides comprehensive evaluation, customised fittings, and long-term hearing care. Whether you have one ear hearing loss or complete deafness on one side, we offer effective solutions to help you reconnect with the world of sound.

Rediscover the joy of balanced hearing—because every sound deserves to be heard.