Why Can I Hear Out of Only One Ear?

Many people who say that they have one “good” ear often actually have hearing loss in both ears. Read ahead to learn more.

What Is One-Sided Hearing Loss?

One-sided hearing loss, also known as unilateral hearing loss or UHL, refers to any mild-to-severe loss of hearing in only one ear. According to Cleveland Clinic, 1 in 1000 children is born with UHL, while 7% of adults in the US suffer from this condition.

Both children and adults with UHL face unique challenges that can make everyday life more challenging and complex.

What Causes UHL?

One-sided hearing loss can be caused by a number of things, including:

• Ear infections: When fluid builds up in the inner ear, the eardrum and tiny bones attached to it are immobilized, impacting the transmission of sounds.


• Accumulation of earwax: Cerumen, more commonly known as earwax, is made by cells lining the ear to protect the ear canal, keeping it healthy and clean. The wax is often self-clearing, but any obstruction can lead to a build-up of wax.


• Genetic predisposition: 50% to 60% of hearing loss in babies is due to genetic causes. The cochlea, which transforms sounds in the air into nerve signals for the brain, is a highly intricate and specialized body part. It requires numerous instructions from genes to grow and work properly. If any of these genes change, it can lead to hearing loss.


• Head trauma: There are very few studies on the cause of hearing loss from minor head trauma, leading it to go unnoticed. However, this type of injury is quite common and, if evaluated promptly, can return to its pre-injury status. Therefore, if your hearing loss is caused by minor head trauma, you may be able to restore it with time.


• Tumors: Even if they aren’t cancerous, tumors in the ear may cause hearing loss. This mass or lump can form in any of the three parts of the ear: inner, middle or outer. If left untreated, you may increase the chances of hearing loss from an ear tumor.

How Hearing Loss Makes It More Difficult to Localize Sound

Our dual-eared auditory system is designed to pinpoint the origin of a sound. However, if you have UHL, you may have difficulty localizing sound or determining where it is coming from. This can make it difficult to understand who is speaking to you, especially in a crowd. It can be hard to follow a conversation and distinguish between speech and background noise, making it almost impossible to actively participate in the discussion.

As a result, UHL may lead to low self-esteem, misunderstandings, and feelings of exclusion.

Having just one good ear can also have safety implications, especially on the road. You may have trouble judging where a vehicle is coming from or may misjudge its proximity. As a pedestrian crossing the road or stepping into traffic, this can be dangerous.

In short, the loss of spatial hearing is a common reason for seeking treatment for hearing loss, even when one ear has relatively normal hearing.

Why One “Good” Ear Isn’t Enough

People who claim to have one "good" ear often have hearing loss in both ears. It may appear that they only have slight hearing difficulty in one ear and that the other ear is normal, but in most cases, both ears are affected by hearing loss, and the so-called "good" ear is not functioning properly.

Relying on just one ear can cause fatigue and confusion, especially in complex listening environments. Some UHL cases may even a represent a bilateral condition that has a unilateral onset.

Treatment for Hearing Loss in One Ear

The best path to treating UHL will likely be hearing aids or, in some cases, cochlear implants. It’s important to note that if your hearing loss is caused by a disease like Meniere’s, Otosclerosis or a tumor, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to address the underlying cause of your hearing loss, as well.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that loss of hearing in one ear is not serious or that you have no choice but to live with it. Even if the problem is restricted to one ear, it can still significantly reduce your quality of life. If you notice reduced hearing in one ear, don't ignore it just because you are able to manage well with the other ear.

Understanding how hearing loss in one ear can affect you is the first and most important step in knowing what to do next. Although it may be scary and challenging to deal with, it’s crucial to recognize that seeking help will guide you in the right direction toward improved hearing.