Acoustic Neuromas, Single-Sided Hearing Loss & The Potential of CROS Hearing Solutions
Understanding Acoustic Neuromas and Their Impact on Hearing
An acoustic neuroma, or vestibular schwannoma, is a non-cancerous tumour that grows on the nerve responsible for balance and hearing. Although benign, its location near the inner ear and brainstem often means it can affect hearing significantly. This tumour may result in various symptoms, such as tinnitus, balance issues, and most notably, single-sided deafness (SSD).
Since acoustic neuromas tend to grow slowly, many are left untreated and monitored instead through a "watch-and-wait" approach. This is particularly common when the tumour is small or in older patients where surgery may pose additional risks. While treatment options vary from surgery to radiotherapy, one critical aspect of care is often overlooked—addressing the resultant single-sided hearing loss.
Single-Sided Deafness: A Common Outcome
Single-sided deafness, or unilateral hearing loss, can be a common result of an acoustic neuroma. It can significantly impact everyday life, making it difficult for individuals to hear conversations in noisy environments, localise sounds, or enjoy an overall balanced auditory experience.
For those experiencing SSD, hearing solutions play a vital role in improving quality of life. However, it’s surprising how rarely hearing aids are recommended in this context, despite their potential benefits, particularly CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) hearing systems.
CROS Hearing Solutions for Single-Sided Deafness
CROS hearing aids are designed specifically for people with single-sided deafness. They consist of two parts: a microphone worn on the non-hearing ear that picks up sound and transmits it to a receiver on the better-hearing side. This enables the individual to hear sounds from their non-hearing side, improving their ability to interact and navigate their surroundings more effectively.
A leading solution in this domain is the Signia Silk CROS IX.
The Benefits of the Signia Silk CROS IX
The Signia Silk CROS IX offers an advanced and discreet option for those dealing with SSD due to acoustic neuroma. Here’s how it stands out:
In-The-Ear Design: Unlike many CROS systems that use behind-the-ear devices, the Silk CROS IX fits comfortably and almost invisibly within the ear canal. This makes it both discreet and convenient for daily use.
Immediate Comfort & Convenience: The Silk CROS IX is one of the few ready-to-wear CROS hearing aids. It's designed for instant use without the need for extensive fitting sessions, providing immediate benefits to the user.
Enhanced Sound Clarity: With advanced signal processing, the device offers high-quality sound and helps improve speech understanding even in noisy environments. This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with the auditory difficulties associated with SSD.
Natural & Balanced Hearing: The Silk CROS IX ensures a more balanced hearing experience by picking up sounds from the non-hearing ear and delivering them naturally to the better ear. This allows for improved sound localisation and a more natural listening experience.
Why Choose a CROS Hearing Solution for Acoustic Neuromas?
The daily experience of those with acoustic neuromas can significantly improve by addressing single-sided deafness with a CROS hearing solution like the Signia Silk CROS IX. Here are some key reasons why:
Improved Communication: By routing sound from the non-hearing side to the functioning ear, users can better engage in conversations, even in environments with background noise.
Enhanced Awareness of Surroundings: The ability to hear sounds from both sides allows for improved spatial awareness, making activities like crossing the street or locating voices in a room much easier.
Non-Invasive Solution: Unlike surgical interventions or radiotherapy, using a CROS system is non-invasive, offering a low-risk option that can be easily adopted.
Final Thoughts
Living with single-sided deafness due to an acoustic neuroma presents difficulties, but CROS hearing solutions can significantly improve one's quality of life. The Signia Silk CROS IX stands out as a discreet, comfortable, and highly effective option to help restore a balanced hearing experience.
At Pocket Hearing, we provide high-quality hearing aids online, offering remote fitting sessions with our qualified audiologists. This service is not only convenient but also cost-effective, coming in at roughly 50-60% cheaper than traditional face-to-face appointments. If you have any questions or need personalised guidance before making a decision, you can book a chat with our audiologist to discuss the best hearing solution for you.
If you or a loved one are dealing with SSD due to an acoustic neuroma, consider exploring the benefits of CROS hearing aids. They offer a simple yet effective way to regain control over your hearing and improve daily communication and overall well-being.
For anyone who has been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, the British Acoustic Neuroma Association, or BANA, is a trusted, impartial, and reliable source of information and support: www.bana-uk.com/