Audiological Challenges in Management of Unilateral Hearing Loss/Asymmetrical Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction: Hearing impairment is one of the most frequent sensory deficits in the human population affecting more than 250 million people around the world. Among them nearly 13.3% are affected with asymmetrical or unilateral hearing loss. Objective: To explain the audiological challenges in management of unilateral profound hearing loss in one ear and mild to moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear. Design: case study Methodology: The study includes a single case report of a unilateral hearing loss client age 25 has undergone cochlear implantation followed by sudden hearing loss in the better ear. Pre and postoperative audiological evaluations were carried out using standard protocol Conclusion: This study discloses the importance of early cochlear implantation over other management options and the consideration of the traditional 60db rule for the purpose of hearing aid fitting.