Hearing loss in one ear means sounds feel reduced or muffled on just one side while the other ear seems normal. Doctors also call hearing loss in one ear unilateral hearing loss and it can appear suddenly or develop slowly.

Sometimes it is caused by simple problems like earwax or infection. Other times it signals inner ear or nerve problems that need urgent care. In this blog you will learn why it happens, how ENT specialists diagnose it and the proven ways to fix it in Kerala.

Hearing Loss in One Ear: Common Causes and Signs

For many people the cause is harmless and treatable in the clinic. The list ranges from wax impaction and middle ear fluid to otosclerosis, Meniere’s disease, sudden sensorineural loss, acoustic neuroma and noise injury. Key clues include ear pain or discharge, vertigo, a feeling of fullness, ringing or a sudden drop after a cold or a loud event.

When is Hearing Loss in One Ear an Emergency

If you wake up with hearing loss in one ear or notice a rapid drop within 72 hours with no obvious blockage seek urgent ENT care within 24 hours. Doctors call this sudden sensorineural hearing loss. You need to find the best ear nose and throat clinic for thorough evaluation, prompt hearing tests and immediate treatment to increase the chances of full recovery. Early treatment with steroids within the first 2 weeks gives the best chance of recovery. Do not delay because waiting can reduce the odds of hearing coming back. Kerala residents can use 24 hrs ENT emergency access at Ascent Hospital for same day assessment and therapy.

How ENT Specialists Diagnose Hearing Loss in One Ear

A careful exam finds the cause and helps guide treatment.

History and bedside checks

Your ENT will ask when the problem started, if there is pain, discharge or vertigo and whether it fluctuates. Simple tuning fork tests help tell if the loss is coming from the middle ear or the inner ear.

Microscope exam and ENT endoscopy

Using an operating microscope the doctor inspects the canal and eardrum for wax, infection or a perforation. When nose or Eustachian tube problems are suspected a gentle nasal endoscopy may be done to check the back of the nose for swelling or rare masses. A quick search for ENT endoscopy near me will show clinics that offer these safe office procedures yet it’s better to choose an accredited ENT centre like Ascent ENT hospital. 

Hearing tests

Pure tone audiometry, speech testing, tympanometry and otoacoustic emissions define the type and degree of the loss. These results decide whether medicines, a procedure or hearing devices will help.

Imaging when needed

Doctors may request an MRI to rule out an acoustic neuroma if the loss is gradual and one sided or if speech clarity is very poor in the affected ear. A CT scan of the temporal bone helps in cholesteatoma, ossicular problems or suspected otosclerosis. For convenient access people can visit Ascent hospital Perinthalmanna , Ascent Hospital Calicut or Ascent Hospital Palakkad for full ENT evaluation.

Common Causes and Fixes at a Glance

How to Fix Hearing Loss in One Ear

Treatment depends on the cause and timely care improves outcomes.

• Wax and external ear conditions: Microsuction removes wax or debris and relief is often immediate.

• Middle ear fluid or infection: Ear drops or oral medicines treat infection. If fluid persists, grommet insertion can restore ventilation and hearing.

• Eardrum perforation: Tympanoplasty repairs the hole and improves hearing. If you are considering surgery consult the best tympanoplasty surgeon in kerala at an accredited centre.

• Otosclerosis: Stapedectomy can improve conductive loss and many patients do well with modern hearing aids. Consult the best stapedectomy surgeon in kerala for surgery.

• Sudden sensorineural loss: Oral steroids or intratympanic steroid injections within the first 2 weeks give the best odds of recovery when started early.

• Acoustic neuroma: Management ranges from observation to radiosurgery or microsurgery based on tumour size and hearing.

• Single sided deafness: If hearing is not recoverable options include CROS hearing aids, bone anchored systems or a cochlear implant. As a leading Cochlear implantation hospital kerala with the best Cochlear implant specialist in  Kerala, Ascent offers assessment for implant candidacy device counselling and post implant therapy.

For many adults with hearing loss in one ear who struggle in noise a CROS solution routes sound from the poorer side to the better ear. Modern digital hearing aids, remote microphones and tinnitus therapy can further improve clarity and day to day function.

When to See an ENT Doctor

See a specialist if you have hearing loss in one ear with any of these signs:

• Sudden drop within 72 hours or after a loud blast

• Ear discharge or severe pain

• Persistent one sided tinnitus or fullness

• Vertigo or imbalance

• History of head injury previous ear surgery or cholesteatoma

Why Choose Ascent for One Sided Hearing Issues

Ascent Hospital Kerala, the best ENT Hospital in Kerala is Kerala’s first ISO and NABH accredited ENT specialty hospital. Facilities include 24 hrs ENT emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging, a balance and vertigo clinic, day care ENT surgeries, digital hearing aids and a dedicated cochlear implantation centre with the best cochlear implant surgeon in India. For complete evaluation and day care treatments book at our ENT clinic in Kerala.

Conclusion

Hearing loss in one ear has many causes yet most are treatable if you act quickly. Recognising red flags and getting prompt ENT care makes the biggest difference. Ascent Hospital provides rapid diagnosis and personalised treatment pathways, so you can return to clear hearing faster. Ready to take the next step? Book your consultation now with Ascent ENT. 

FAQs

Is sudden hearing loss in one ear permanent?

 Recovery is possible, especially when steroid treatment starts early. Outcomes depend on how severe the drop is, how fast treatment begins and your overall health.

Do I need an MRI if I have hearing loss in one ear?

 Doctors advise MRI when the loss is asymmetric, when speech clarity is very low, or when there are neurological signs. MRI helps rule out an acoustic neuroma.

Can earwax cause hearing loss in one ear?

 Yes. Impacted wax can block the canal and reduce sound. Microsuction in the clinic safely restores hearing.

Which works better for single sided deafness, a CROS hearing aid or a cochlear implant?

 It depends on the degree of loss, your listening needs and test results. Your ENT and audiologist will help you trial options and choose the best path.

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