Hearing loss is often gradual and we may begin to favor one ear over the other. Many patients will call this their “good ear.” It is important to note that hearing loss typically happens at the same rate in both ears. Having “one good ear” is a sign that a hearing evaluation is needed. True unilateral hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) is typically something we are born with, caused by viral infections, or the result of serious head or ear trauma. It can also be a sign that the cause is beyond the ear itself.
When one ear is favored over the other, we begin to rely on that ear to do most of our hearing work, leading to the false impression that this preferred ear is offering our best possible hearing. Unfortunately, relying on one ear to carry our hearing causes fatigue and confusion, especially in challenging listening situations like crowds and noisy rooms.
A recent study found that adults reliant on a single ear are at a disadvantage in all aspects of everyday listening and communication. Asymmetric hearing leads to challenges in our ability to recognize the direction of sounds, hear group conversation, and filtering out background noise.
There is no need to struggle with a less than better hearing ear. The Audiologists at Complete Hearing can identify the cause of your perceived “better ear” and you get back to the conversation.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Hearing Research Foundation
