Single sided deafness is a unique type of hearing loss that ails approximately sixty thousands Americans every year. In most cases, single sided deafness is caused because of tumor removal processes, head traumas or infections of a viral origin.
People with single sided deafness may find that their lifestyle can significantly change once the condition manifests itself. Environments that once felt comfortable mat become entirely different, family dinners, business meetings and even outdoor activities such as bicycling may become uncomfortable. Some people with single sided deafness tend to avoid social and group activities because they find loud background sounds to be overwhelming. It is a disability that may bring much discomfort.
Possible Treatments
People that suffer from single sided deafness have been fairly limited in the past with possible treatment choices. Among past solutions are the CROS hearing aids – CROS standing for contralateral routing of signals and various methods that have to do with noise reduction and seating positions.
CROS Hearing Aids
CROS hearing aids have either an in the ear or behind the ear shell which contains the receiver and devices with wired and wireless options are available.
The unit with the receiver is placed on the functioning ear. A microphone is located on the dysfunctional ear. The sounds which are heard via the microphone on the dysfunctional ear are sent to the functioning ear by using the wired or wireless system.
Unfortunately, many experts considered the CROS system to be of poor functional qualities. User reviews have not always been positive as well. However, using CROS hearing aids is a much better option that leaving the condition untreated. As mentioned above, single sided deafness, when untreated can lead to severe cases of social isolation.
Possible Alternatives
Another possible treatment for single sided deafness is the Baha system. This is a titanium implant which is placed behind the impaired ear in the mastoid bone. It also contains a sound processor and a connecting abetment. The system stimulates the cochlea of the functioning ear and allows the user to comprehend sounds that originate from both sides. The obvious disadvantage compared to CROS is the fact that the implant is surgically inserted, however most experts agree that it gives better functional results.
It may be a wise decision to try and check CROS hearing aids first and consider the Baha alternative with patients that find that the system does not serve their needs or does not give them the life quality improvement they were hoping for.
Tom Regev is a professional writer for the Hearing Life in Colorado Springs clinic.
Learn more about how to be healthy. You can get more health tips by going to the home page here: Face Final, where you will see a list of health topics or if you wish, you can use the search bar to search for a specific topic. May God bless you.
People with single sided deafness may find that their lifestyle can significantly change once the condition manifests itself. Environments that once felt comfortable mat become entirely different, family dinners, business meetings and even outdoor activities such as bicycling may become uncomfortable. Some people with single sided deafness tend to avoid social and group activities because they find loud background sounds to be overwhelming. It is a disability that may bring much discomfort.
Possible Treatments
People that suffer from single sided deafness have been fairly limited in the past with possible treatment choices. Among past solutions are the CROS hearing aids – CROS standing for contralateral routing of signals and various methods that have to do with noise reduction and seating positions.
CROS Hearing Aids
CROS hearing aids have either an in the ear or behind the ear shell which contains the receiver and devices with wired and wireless options are available.
The unit with the receiver is placed on the functioning ear. A microphone is located on the dysfunctional ear. The sounds which are heard via the microphone on the dysfunctional ear are sent to the functioning ear by using the wired or wireless system.
Unfortunately, many experts considered the CROS system to be of poor functional qualities. User reviews have not always been positive as well. However, using CROS hearing aids is a much better option that leaving the condition untreated. As mentioned above, single sided deafness, when untreated can lead to severe cases of social isolation.
Possible Alternatives
Another possible treatment for single sided deafness is the Baha system. This is a titanium implant which is placed behind the impaired ear in the mastoid bone. It also contains a sound processor and a connecting abetment. The system stimulates the cochlea of the functioning ear and allows the user to comprehend sounds that originate from both sides. The obvious disadvantage compared to CROS is the fact that the implant is surgically inserted, however most experts agree that it gives better functional results.
It may be a wise decision to try and check CROS hearing aids first and consider the Baha alternative with patients that find that the system does not serve their needs or does not give them the life quality improvement they were hoping for.
Tom Regev is a professional writer for the Hearing Life in Colorado Springs clinic.
Learn more about how to be healthy. You can get more health tips by going to the home page here: Face Final, where you will see a list of health topics or if you wish, you can use the search bar to search for a specific topic. May God bless you.