Hearing loss is often a natural part of aging, but in some cases, it can occur due to sudden issues or underlying health conditions. Hearing loss can affect one or both ears, but what are the specific causes of hearing loss in one ear?

Causes of Hearing Loss in One Ear

Hearing loss in one ear can occur due to a variety of reasons, including: (1)

1. Earwax Buildup

Sometimes, hearing loss is caused by something as simple as excessive earwax accumulation. When earwax builds up, it can block the ear canal and hinder sound perception, which may occur in one or both ears.

Symptoms of earwax blockage include:

• A feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Muffled or weak hearing.
• Occasional ringing in the ear (tinnitus).

Earwax can be easily removed by a healthcare professional using specialized tools or ear drops designed to dissolve the wax.

2. Ear Infections

Ear infections can lead to hearing loss in one ear and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Ear pain.
• Fever.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• In severe cases, an ear infection may cause a perforation of the eardrum, leading to the discharge of pus or abnormal fluids from the ear.

3. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL)

Sensorineural hearing loss usually affects one ear and is characterized by sudden and rapid hearing loss. It is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 40 and 50.

In most cases, the exact cause of sensorineural hearing loss is unknown, with only 10% of cases having an identifiable cause. Potential causes include:(2)(4)

• Chronic exposure to loud noise.
• Head injuries.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Infections.
• Blood and circulatory disorders.
• Viral infections (such as measles or herpes).
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Inner ear conditions such as Meniere’s disease.
• Use of certain medications that can negatively affect the ear (ototoxic drugs).

4. Benign Tumor in the Ear

An acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. It affects hearing and balance, leading to gradual hearing loss-most commonly in one ear, though in some cases, it can occur suddenly. (3)

Symptoms associated with an acoustic neuroma include:

• Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear.
• Numbness or tingling in the face.
• Balance issues or dizziness.
• Headaches in advanced cases.

5. Injuries

Direct head trauma or exposure to loud explosions can cause hearing loss by damaging sensitive structures within the ear, such as: (1)

• Eardrum perforation.
• Inner ear damage.
• Auditory nerve damage.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden hearing loss.
• Ringing in the ear.
• A sensation of dizziness.

6. Other Causes

Several other medical conditions and factors can contribute to hearing loss in one ear, including: (3)

• Otosclerosis: A condition that affects the tiny bones in the middle ear, leading to progressive hearing loss.
• Meniere's disease: A disorder caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear, resulting in fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and episodes of vertigo.
• Foreign objects in the ear canal.
• Exposure to extremely loud noise.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you experience: (1)

• Gradual hearing loss in one or both ears.
• No improvement in hearing after treatment for earwax buildup or ear infections.

Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:

• Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears.
• Progressive and continuous deterioration of hearing over several days.
• Hearing loss accompanied by other symptoms such as ear pain, dizziness, or discharge from the ear.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for an appointment or further information.

Since gradual hearing loss may not be noticeable at first, doctors recommend regular hearing check-ups, especially for children and the elderly.

• For children: Hearing tests should begin at birth to detect any early issues that might affect language development.
• For older adults: Routine hearing assessments are usually done by asking specific questions about their hearing in daily situations. However, in many cases, seniors may not recognize or even deny having hearing problems, making specialized hearing tests essential for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis

It is essential to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis of hearing loss. Your doctor will determine the necessary tests based on your condition and symptoms, which may include: (1)

• Otoscopy; to check for signs of infection or earwax buildup.
• Specialized hearing tests.
• CT scan.
• MRI scan.

Treatment Options

Treatment for hearing loss in one ear depends on the underlying cause and may include: (2)

• Earwax removal.
• Hearing aids and assistive devices.
• Cochlear implants.
• Surgical intervention.

Tips for Better Hearing

Follow these tips to improve your hearing ability:(1)

• Try to converse with others in quiet environments and minimize background noise as much as possible.
• Face people directly when speaking with them, as lip-reading can help you understand conversations better.
• Don’t hesitate to ask people to repeat themselves or write things down if it helps you understand more clearly.
• Wear ear protection when exposed to loud noises.
• Avoid listening to loud sounds or music at high volumes.
• Never insert your fingers or any objects, including cotton swabs, into your ears.

References

1. MSD Manual Consumer Version - Hearing Loss - Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
2. NIDCD - Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL)
3. Mayo Clinic - Acoustic neuroma - Symptoms and causes‍
4. NIDCD - Sudden Deafness