What Is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
Understanding the Effects of Hearing Impairment in One Ear
Aug 8, 2009
An initial diagnosis of unilateral hearing loss may seem insignificant. Children with this type of hearing loss typically have little or no difficulty with speech. However, the effects of this kind of hearing loss are evident in social, educational, and safety situations.
Safety and Unilateral Hearing Loss
Often, parents are reluctant to let others know about the child’s unilateral hearing loss. Not doing so, can in fact put the child at risk or in danger in some situations. If the teacher or caregiver is calling towards the ear with the hearing loss as the child approaches danger, the child will be unaware.
It is important to teach the child to compensate in risky situations. When crossing the street, for example, an extra visual check for all clear is needed before proceeding into the crosswalk.
Likewise, older children should be aware to keep an eye on the adult in charge. This is only a precautionary measure. It should not take the place of making the adult aware of the child’s hearing loss.
Unilateral Hearing Loss in School
In the education setting, if the hearing loss is not made known, the child may be sitting with the “bad ear” towards the instruction. Obviously, not hearing the information will make it impossible to learn. Likewise, directions given will not be followed unless the child is “following” what his peers are doing by watching. Either situation can appear to be stubbornness, rudeness, or lack of comprehension.
At the time of hearing screenings, obviously the child’s hearing loss will be known. If the family has changed schools, parents may be reluctant to discuss the hearing loss prior to that. Bear in mind that the child’s understanding of concepts and directions are jeopardized if the teachers are unaware of the hearing loss. More importantly, his safety is also at risk.
Unilateral Hearing Loss in Sports
Sports situations provide circumstances similar to safety and school concerns. An athlete with an undisclosed unilateral hearing loss may seem uncooperative. His teammates will be unable to communicate if they are calling to the ear with the impairment.
Dealing with a unilateral hearing loss involves communication with teachers, caregivers, coaches, and friends. A unilateral hearing loss does not have to be a major concern as long as those around the child are aware and as long as the child has learned basic techniques of compensation. As with any health or communication concern, communication is important for the success of the individual.
 |
