When you notice signs of either monaural or binaural hearing loss, getting evaluated by an audiologist is essential. Frequent requests for repetition or clarification.Inability to hear from both ears either at the same time or intermittently.Ringing, hissing, or crackling in both ears.Inability to distinguish sounds from one another.Difficulty hearing and understanding conversations.The following are some of the ways that bilateral hearing loss can manifest: Many of the symptoms of binaural hearing loss overlap with those of unilateral hearing loss, but they are more pronounced. Feeling fatigued from straining to hear.Trouble locating where sounds are coming from.Preferring one ear over the other when using the phone.These are some of the most common symptoms of unilateral hearing loss: Whether it be unilateral or binaural hearing loss, there are specific symptoms that occur with any hearing impairment. Sometimes bilateral hearing loss occurs idiopathically, which means that it has developed spontaneously with no identifiable cause. Binaural hearing loss that occurs in adulthood can have a variety of causes, including the following: More often, bilateral hearing loss occurs later in life. It can sometimes be caused by viruses that affect newborns, such as the rubella virus. This is often due to congenital disabilities or craniofacial abnormalities. Sometimes binaural hearing loss is congenital or present at birth. What Is Binaural Hearing Loss?Īlso known as bilateral hearing loss, binaural hearing loss refers to hearing impairment in both ears. Some people experience unilateral hearing loss spontaneously, with no known cause or risk factors present.

When it happens later in life, it can be due to a viral infection, autoimmune disease, or injury to the affected ear. Some cases of congenital hearing loss occur randomly without an identifiable cause.įor others, unilateral hearing loss occurs later in life and progressively gets worse over time. These instances are usually the result of genetics or craniofacial differences.

For some people, unilateral hearing loss is present at birth. Sometimes called monaural hearing loss, unilateral hearing loss refers to hearing impairment that affects one ear. Read on to learn more about unilateral hearing loss, binaural hearing, and the importance of proper treatment. When you lose hearing in one ear, you may think it’s okay to treat only that ear, but this isn’t always the case. At some point in life, you may lose hearing in one or both of your ears. ADA disclaims any responsibility for content errors, omissions, or infringing material and disclaims any responsibility associated with relying on the information provided on this website.People naturally have what is called binaural hearing, or the ability to hear in both ears. ADA, its staff and consultants will not modify or customize any of these forms and documents once purchased.Īll materials, content and forms contained on this website are the intellectual property of ADA and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed beyond the use of your practice without ADA's express written permission.ĪDA does not warrant, either expressly or implied, the accuracy, timeliness, or appropriateness of the information contained in the documents or on its website. Prior to purchasing a form or document from ADA, please note that any modifications, adjustments, or changes to a specific form or document are the responsibility of the purchaser. These changes will be the responsibility of the purchaser and not the responsibility of ADA. Some forms and documents, including but not limited to, superbills, hearing aid purchase receipts, and HIPAA materials, may require modification at a later date due to compliance and regulatory changes. These formats will allow for customization and editing by you and your practice. Many of the forms and documents that are available for purchase through ADA have been created in either Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel format.

Binaural hearing aids