Best Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss, Tested and Ranked by Audiologists
Our experts evaluated the best hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss and narrowed down our top over-the-counter providers to Jabra Enhance, MDHearing, and Eargo.
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- Sold in pairs only
- Mobile app for customization and remote adjustments
- Behind-the-ear devices
- Sold in singles or pairs
- No mobile app
- Behind-the-ear and in-ear devices
- Sold in pairs only
- Mobile app for customization and remote adjustments
- Completely-in-canal and earbud-style devices
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
- Rich sound quality
- Industry-leading technology
- Notch Therapy (NT) for tonal tinnitus
- Excellent styles and aesthetic appeal
- In-ear and BTE models
Our resident audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s best hearing aids and narrowed down the list to our top picks for single-sided hearing loss.
Our resident audiologists and senior tech experts tested the industry’s best hearing aids and narrowed down the list to our top picks for single-sided hearing loss.
Learn MoreContents
Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) — hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other — affects an estimated 7.2 percent of American adults, but only a fraction of them wear hearing aids.1 For many people with UHL, wearing one — or even two — hearing aids can help improve hearing. After thorough testing and research, we chose Jabra Enhance as our top pick for its excellent value, intuitive mobile app for individual hearing aid adjustments, and seamless Bluetooth streaming.
Our tech experts spent over 100 hours researching and comparing the best hearing aids for UHL. We evaluated each hearing aid for important factors such as price, comfort, remote care, battery life, and UHL features. Our resident audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman, also provided her insights and expertise for the piece. Below we’ll look at the best hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss, including both over-the-counter and prescription options. We’ll also explore UHL and the types of hearing aids that can help.
Our tech experts and audiologists tested all of the hearing aids on our list, including Jabra Enhance and MDHearing.
Best Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids for Single-Sided Hearing Loss
Our team testing out different hearing aids
How We Tested the Hearing Aids
Our tech team conducted over 100 hours of hands-on testing to compare the top UHL hearing aids apples-to-apples. We focused on a wide range of factors that could affect efficacy and comfort for users with single-sided hearing loss and took notes on every aspect of our experience.
Here’s what our testing process looked like for OTC hearing aids that could be ordered online without a prescription:
- We tried out each brand’s online hearing test, comparing our results to in-person evaluations from an audiologist.
- Then, we selected our hearing aids and made our purchase, evaluating the overall purchasing process. We considered the price and value of each hearing aid model, keeping seasonal promotions, extra fees, and upfront costs in mind.
- Once the devices arrived at our doorstep, we followed the instructions to set them up. If the brand had a mobile app, we downloaded it to our phones and set it up as well. We evaluated the ease of use and the total number of steps required to get our hearing aids out of the box and fully functional.
- We reached out to customer service several times to evaluate the quality of care by phone, mobile app (if applicable), and online chat features.
- Our team tested each hearing aid for a week, using them at home, in noisy environments, and in more intimate, conversational settings. We evaluated the hearing aid’s features, sound quality, and ease of use in each location.
For prescription hearing aids that can’t be ordered online, we spoke with Dr. Reisman about her expertise with each brand. We used her experience prescribing and testing these hearing aids, along with feedback from her patients, to evaluate and rank them.
How We Chose the Best Hearing Aids
Choosing the right hearing aid can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time shopping for one. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best hearing aids for single-sided hearing loss. We spent hours testing models, consulting audiologists, and evaluating providers based on the following criteria.
- UHL features: This is the most important factor we considered while evaluating hearing aid providers. We made sure to include providers that offer one hearing aid or pairs, CROS systems, Bluetooth streaming, and customizable sound settings. All of the providers on our list offer at least one important feature that makes them better for balancing sound inputs and living with single-sided hearing loss.
- Comfort: It may feel a little unbalanced to have a device in only one ear, so we tested different models and looked for those that were the most comfortable. We also considered providers that offer multiple ways to enhance hearing in one ear without feeling lopsided, like the ability to add a CROS or BiCROS system.
- Price: We included more affordable OTC hearing aids, as well as pricier prescription hearing aids that are custom fit to meet your needs. While all of the providers on our list offer competitive pricing and good value, some are better suited for budget shoppers than others.
- Remote care: Many providers offer remote care, which is a major benefit for seniors with single-sided hearing loss. We included providers that offer various forms of remote care to help you adjust your hearing aids.
- Battery life: Some of our top picks have batteries that can be worn for months or even years on end without replacement, while others offer rechargeable batteries that can be left to charge while you sleep. Having these options gives you more control over how you use and maintain your hearing devices.
Why Trust Us
Our team of tech experts tries out the latest gadgets and devices for seniors each year. We’ve logged hundreds of hours testing and reviewing hearing aids from dozens of providers.
We also worked with experts like our resident licensed audiologist, Dr. Ruth Reisman. She has personally tested and prescribed hearing aids from providers on this list. She’s also worked alongside us to choose the best ones for single-sided hearing loss and offered her feedback on specific providers and models. Dr. Reisman has more than three decades of experience working with older adults with hearing loss, so we take her word seriously!
What Is Unilateral Hearing Loss?
UHL occurs when an individual has hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other. When there’s nonfunctional hearing in one ear, it’s also called single-sided deafness. Single-sided deafness affects an estimated 60,000 Americans each year.2
Many people living with unilateral hearing loss simply rely on their “good” ear for listening, but some choose a hearing solution, such as the following:
- A single hearing aid
- Two hearing aids
- CROS systems
- BiCROS systems
- Bone-conduction devices
- Bone-anchored implants
- Cochlear implant for single-sided deafness
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1. Jabra Enhance - Best for Streaming Media
What we like most
- Sold in pairs only
- Mobile app for customization and remote adjustments
- Behind-the-ear devices
Jabra EnhanceOverview:
Jabra Enhance Select 300 hearing aids
Jabra Enhance is one of our top picks for the best hearing aids because the brand offers solid bang for your buck. It only sells its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids in pairs, but we still think the company is worth checking out for unilateral hearing loss. Its behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids offer direct streaming for calls, music, and other phone media. Even if you have hearing loss in just one ear, the hearing aid in your better ear benefits from streaming media. It means you won’t need to choose between the hearing aid you need and the convenience that Bluetooth earbuds offer. Jabra Enhance delivers the best of both.
» Also Check Out: Best Bluetooth hearing aids of 2024
Even if you don’t plan to use direct streaming, Jabra Enhance hearing aids still have advantages for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. One of our go-to audiologists, Dr. Ruth Reisman, notes that “Jabra [Enhance] consistently delivers exceptional audio solutions that enhance productivity, entertainment, and communication clarity.”
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,Jabra Enhance devices are great at meeting research-based targets for mild to moderate hearing loss, which can afford the patient significant clarity. The team at Jabra Enhance can be even more precise if you provide an audiogram from your audiologist.Pros & Cons:Pros About Jabra Enhance
- Mobile app for volume control and adjustments
- Bluetooth connectivity for streaming calls and music
- Three years of remote follow-up care with Premium packages
- 100-day money-back guarantee
- Financing available
Cons About Jabra Enhance
- Must be purchased as a pair
- Not for severe or profound hearing loss
- Not suitable for single-sided hearing loss due to a medical or surgical condition
Our Hands-on Experience:UHL Features and Sound Quality
The downside to Jabra Enhance for seniors with single-sided hearing loss is that you can’t buy just one device; you have to buy a pair. Potential cost concerns aside, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Jabra Enhance designs each BTE device for a specific ear. During testing, we could individually adjust the settings and volume on both ears to account for different levels of hearing loss. If we had any issues or wanted to better tailor our hearing aids to our unique hearing loss, we could make an on-demand appointment with Jabra Enhance’s audiology team for remote adjustments. We found the company’s audiologists to be knowledgeable, patient, and helpful.
You can easily schedule an appointment with a Jabra Enhance audiologist through the mobile app.
As we noted during our testing, Jabra Enhance makes it easy to connect to Bluetooth-ready devices such as smartphones (including iPhones and select Android phones), tablets, computers, and smart TVs. That means you can enjoy the same clarity of sound in both ears, rather than hearing completely different sound quality and levels in each ear. We found Jabra Enhance’s sound quality was richer and crisper with less background noise than other OTC hearing aids, such as MDHearing.
» Our Full Review: Jabra Enhance hearing aids review 2024
Pricing
Jabra Enhance hearing aids cost $995 to $1,995 per pair. That may be more than you’d pay for more budget-friendly brands like MDHearing, but considering their advanced technology and features, Jabra Enhance hearing aids are quite affordable. They’re also much cheaper than prescription hearing aids from top brands like Phonak and Signia.
» Our Pricing Guide: Jabra Enhance hearing aid costs and pricing
If you select a Premium package, which costs an extra $200, your purchase also includes three years of loss and damage protection and three years of follow-up care with the Jabra Enhance audiology team. We think the additional cost is worth it for the three years of follow-up care alone! Plus, you can try Jabra Enhance for 100 days risk-free.
Did You Know? In November of 2022, Lively rebranded to Jabra Enhance. The company’s name may have changed, but its high-quality hearing aids haven’t!
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2. MDHearing - Most Flexibility
What we like most
- Sold in singles or pairs
- No mobile app
- Behind-the-ear and in-ear devices
MDHearingOverview:
MDHearing's ITE hearing aids, including the NEO XS that we've tested, are small and discrete.
MDHearing sells two BTE hearing aids and two in-the-ear (ITE) models available for one ear or both. Each hearing aid can be adjusted independently, perfect for one-sided hearing loss. Like Jabra Enhance, however, MDHearing devices are suitable only for mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you’ll want to consider a provider of prescription hearing aids like Signia.
» Related Reading: Best hearing aids for severe hearing loss
For older adults who want a more discreet device, we recommend the NEO XS. It is marketed as an ITE, “invisible” hearing aid, but it’s more visible than similar options offered by Eargo (like the Eargo 7). After we placed the NEO XS hearing aid in our ear, we noticed how much of the device was still visible. After talking with MDHearing tech-support reps (who were always very friendly and helpful), we realized that we needed to change the domes.
» Related Reading: MDHearing hearing aid costs and pricing
This process may prove challenging for seniors with arthritis or those who struggle with fine motor skills. Once you get the hang of it, though, the NEO XS has a nice fit and offers solid sound quality. We also loved the portable charging case, which got our hearing aids up and running in just under two hours.
Most of MDHearing's devices are rechargeable, including the NEO XS, which we tested.
Pros & Cons:Pros About MDHearing
- Competitive pricing and 45-day risk-free trial
- Feedback cancellation and noise reduction
- Battery-powered and rechargeable options
- Available in singles or pairs
- Lifetime support from audiologists and hearing specialists
Cons About MDHearing
- The best deals apply only to pairs
- No direct Bluetooth streaming
- Suitable only for mild to moderate hearing loss
Our Hands-on Experience:UHL Features and Sound Quality
Unlike Jabra Enhance and Eargo, MDHearing lets you purchase its devices in singles or pairs (we recommend purchasing a pair to save money). Features such as noise reduction, feedback cancellation, independent volume adjustments, and the ability to choose the battery type also make MDHearing a smart solution for many seniors with single-sided hearing loss. The features can make it easier to manage your listening experience so you can enjoy music, movies, phone calls, and other sounds equally in both ears.
» Our Full Review: MDHearing reviews
Expert InsightsFrom Audiologist Dr. Ruth Reisman,If you want to improve comfort levels with MDHearing aids, try using an open dome and lowering the volume. That may make it more comfortable to adapt to the hearing aid in the beginning.When we first started wearing MDHearing’s Volt devices, we noticed a feedback sound similar to white noise in each ear. We used the online chat feature to ask MDHearing about it, and a representative let us know that the noise would become less apparent over time, which it did. We found the Volt’s sound quality to be gentle and natural, but it wasn’t cutting-edge crisp like Jabra Enhance’s devices.
Pricing
MDHearing is a budget-friendly option, and its pricing is transparent and very competitive. The cost of a single hearing aid ranges from $499.99 to $799.99, but MDHearing runs year-round promotions that make it far cheaper to buy a pair, bringing prices down to $297 to $397 per pair. Buying a pair saves money and gives you the option to wear two hearing aids if you want to. The hearing aids don’t have the most advanced features, but they’re thousands of dollars cheaper than top prescription hearing aid brands such as Phonak or Signia.
Did You Know? Cost prevents more than 25 percent of seniors from getting hearing aids. OTC providers such as MDHearing offer affordable alternatives for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
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3. Eargo - Best for Tinnitus Relief
What we like most
- Sold in pairs only
- Mobile app for customization and remote adjustments
- Completely-in-canal and earbud-style devices
EargoOverview:
Testing out Eargo 7 hearing aids
Overview
Like Jabra Enhance, Eargo sells its hearing aids in pairs only. If you have single-sided hearing loss and want a discreet hearing aid, however, Eargo’s completely-in-canal (CIC) and earbud-style models are a great choice.
» You Might Like The best invisible hearing aids of 2024
The Eargo 6 and Eargo 7 models offer the most personalization options. Using the Eargo app’s Sound Match feature, we could personalize each hearing aid to meet our unique needs. It’s a great feature for seniors who have more significant hearing loss in one ear. We also loved the Link by Eargo earbud-style model. Rather than trying to hide your hearing loss with ITE models, you can simply look like you’re listening to music with Bluetooth earbuds!
Dr. Reisman also ranked Eargo among the best providers for seniors seeking a balance between discretion and quality, noting that the Eargo 7 specifically offers a great “warranty, enhanced clarity, and better moisture resistance — which is a necessity with a completely-in-the-ear device.”
Pros & Cons:Pros About Eargo
- Advanced hearing technology
- Nearly invisible
- Flexible financing options and 45-day money-back guarantee
- Water-resistant technology with select models
- Telecare support
Cons About Eargo
- Must be purchased as a pair
- Only for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss
- Only ITE styles available
Our Hands-on Experience:UHL Features and Sound Quality
Unlike MDHearing, Eargo does not give you the option to buy a single hearing aid. That’s a bummer, especially considering the prices of some of the company’s ITE models are quite high for OTC devices. But if you’re looking for a CIC hearing aid for mild to moderate hearing loss, it fits the bill.
The Link by Eargo and Eargo SE are two more affordable models, but we think the Eargo 6 and 7 are better options for seniors with UHL. The Sound Adjust+ feature automatically optimizes sounds in the surrounding environment, while the mobile app’s Sound Match feature customizes your hearing aids to your individual needs.
» Our Full Review: Eargo hearing aid review
We tried Sound Match when testing the Eargo 7 and Eargo 6. The test took about 20 minutes using the mobile app, and it tested our hearing one ear at a time to ensure that each hearing aid was customized to that ear’s hearing loss. The test was thorough, and we found that the listening experience and sound quality were better after using Sound Match.
Pricing
Eargo’s OTC hearing aids cost $799 to $2,950 per pair, with various financing options available. That makes it more expensive than the other OTC providers on our list, including Jabra Enhance and MDHearing, which are hundreds of dollars cheaper. That may seem pricey, but Eargo is still more affordable than prescription hearing aid providers like Phonak or Signia. Plus, Eargo is the most discreet OTC hearing aid provider on our list. If that’s important to you, it’s worth the cost.
» Learn More: Phonak vs. Starkey
Just remember that OTC hearing aids from brands like Eargo are suitable only for mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids are pricier, but they offer solutions for all levels of hearing loss. To learn more about OTC hearing aids and find out if they’re right for you, watch our video below with Dr. Reisman.
Dr. Ruth Reisman, a licensed audiologist and hearing aid dispenser, explains what you should know about OTC hearing aids. -
4. Phonak - Best for Extended Wear
What we like most
- Solutions for mild to profound hearing loss
- Rich sound quality
- Industry-leading technology
PhonakOverview :
Phonak's Lyric hearing aid is 100 percent in-the-canal, making it completely invisible.
If you’re concerned about how just one hearing aid would look, you may want to consider Phonak’s prescription hearing aids, including the Lyric model. Lyric is a 100 percent in-the-canal hearing aid that you wear 24/7. Unlike other hearing aids, Lyric is inserted into your ear by a hearing professional. It stays in your ear for months, even as you sleep, shower, or wear headphones. You don’t need to recharge or change the batteries either. Instead, you’ll visit your audiologist before the battery dies to get a new Lyric device inserted or replace them yourself.
» Also Check Out: Best hearing aids for active lifestyles
Your hearing professional will program the Lyric devices to match your hearing loss. Even if your hearing loss is concentrated in one ear, wearing Lyric devices provides benefits such as sound localization and reduced feedback.3 Other Phonak models are available to purchase outright, but the Lyric is not. That may be a turn-off for seniors who prefer to own their hearing aids without an annual subscription, but Phonak has a variety of other hearing aids for mild to profound hearing loss that are also suitable for UHL.
Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Phonak
- Solutions for all levels of hearing loss
- Variety of styles
- Extended-wear technology
- Clear, natural sound
- Advanced noise cancellation and advanced noise cancellation
Cons About Phonak
- Lyric model is available only via annual subscription
- Lyric must be inserted by a hearing professional
- Prescription hearing aids that can’t be purchased online
Our Hands-on Experience:UHL Features and Sound Quality
Lyric delivers natural sound while letting you wear accessories like headphones, glasses, or a helmet. The devices are safe in the shower, but they’re not meant to be submerged in water. If you enjoy swimming, you’ll want to consider a different hearing device. Lyric is one of the best hearing aids for seniors with UHL who want to just set it and forget it.
If you’re looking for a great all-around hearing aid for profound hearing loss, Dr. Reisman recommends the Phonak Naída Lumity BTE model, which has Bluetooth, hands-free calls, and Roger Focus compatibility for supporting seamless communication in all environments.
Pro Tip: Looking for more affordable hearing aid options than Phonak? Check out our guide to the best cheap hearing aid providers in 2024.
Phonak dedicates an entire page of its website to UHL, and the provider recommends several solutions depending on the severity of hearing loss in one ear. The Phonak Audéo Paradise is a quality BTE model that works well for aidable hearing loss in one ear and even has advanced features like a voice assistant and health data tracking. If you have profound hearing loss in one ear that’s not aidable by a traditional hearing aid, Phonak offers the Roger Focus, which combines a contralateral routing of signals (CROS) hearing aid, microphone, and receiver to pick up sound directed to one ear and transmit it to the hearing aid in your good ear.4
» Our Full Review: Phonak hearing aid reviews
Pricing
Phonak offers prescription hearing aids that can’t be purchased online. You’ll need to visit a local hearing professional who sells Phonak devices to learn about pricing. Phonak Lyric is available only on a subscription basis, while the brand’s other hearing aids can be purchased outright.
» Learn More: Phonak pricing guide
Prices will vary by location and dispenser, but Dr. Reisman estimates that Phonak hearing aids cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,750 per ear. Those prices are on par with other prescription brands like Signia, but they are much more expensive than OTC brands like MDHearing and Eargo. Phonak, however, offers solutions for all levels of hearing loss, while OTC brands don’t. Plus, they are much more customizable and include in-person care from a hearing specialist.
Phonak offers a variety of hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss.
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5. Signia - Best for an Instant Fit
What we like most
- Notch Therapy (NT) for tonal tinnitus
- Excellent styles and aesthetic appeal
- In-ear and BTE models
SigniaOverview :
Trying out Signia's Silk hearing aids
Signia, one of the world’s largest hearing aid brands, offers many solutions for adults with single-sided hearing loss, including CROS devices. A CROS device is best for people with unaidable hearing loss in one ear and normal or near-normal hearing in the other. Signia’s CROS devices include BTE and ITE models, providing even more UHL-friendly options than Phonak.
» Compare Providers: Phonak vs. Signia
Pros & Cons:Pros About Signia
- Innovative solutions for all levels of hearing loss
- CROS accessories
- Manage audio settings and preferences with the Signia app
- Remote telehealth support available
- Instant fit
Cons About Signia
- Higher price point
- Requires in-office visit
Our Hands-on Experience:» Our Full Review: Signia hearing aid review
UHL Features and Sound Quality
Signia’s CROS Silk X hearing aids offer comfort and flexibility to seniors with unaidable UHL or single-sided deafness. The device sits in the ear canal, so you can use your phone as you normally would and wear over-ear headphones. Dr. Reisman said she loves Signia’s Silk series for their tinnitus benefits and “the ability to control the hearing aid microphones,” which is ideal for individuals with a combination of auditory processing disorders and normal hearing.
» Our Top Tinnitus Picks: Best hearing aids for tinnitus in 2024
Pricing
Similar to Phonak, Signia doesn’t advertise its prices online. Visit an audiologist or local hearing aid specialist to learn about the cost of the Signia device that best meets your needs. You can generally expect a single hearing device from Signia to cost somewhere between $1,000 and $3,500, which is similar to other prescription hearing aid providers, but much more expensive than OTC providers. As we’ve mentioned, prescription brands like Signia offer more custom-fit solutions for all levels of hearing loss, so they may be worth it for people with UHL.
Pro Tip: Are you a caregiver to someone who has hearing loss and dementia? Check out our guide to the best hearing aids for Alzheimer’s patients.
What Are CROS Hearing Aids?
CROS hearing aids are for older adults who have normal or near-normal hearing in one ear and hearing loss in the other. CROS hearing aids consist of a transmitter with a microphone you wear on your ear with hearing loss and a receiver with a speaker you wear on your better ear. The transmitter picks up sounds on one side and delivers the sounds to your other ear.
CROS hearing aids make it easy to hear conversations occurring on your poorer side. They also help you pick up more environmental sounds, which can improve safety and awareness.
The Pros of CROS Hearing Aids
- Solution for UHL: With a CROS system, the microphone can pick up sounds on one side and transmit them to your good ear. This is a solution for single-sided hearing loss without surgery or invasive treatments.
- Easier communication: When you can hear sound coming from both sides, like someone with good hearing in both ears, you can participate in group conversations without constantly turning your head to listen with your good ear. CROS ensures you don’t miss part of the conversation just because the sound came from one side or the other!
- Symmetry and balance: If you wear one hearing aid in your good ear, a CROS microphone can add a sense of balance by placing a microphone device in your ear with hearing loss. This can increase comfort levels and get rid of that lopsided feeling that can occur when wearing a device in only one ear.
- Enhanced safety: When you can’t hear well in one ear, it can make it more difficult to know when there’s a threat or potential hazard nearby. If someone is shouting your name or knocking at the door, a CROS system increases the chances you’ll hear it, regardless of which ear is facing the direction the sound is coming from.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to speak to a loved one with hearing loss, check out our hearing loss communication guide for tips and best practices!
The Cons of CROS Hearing Aids
- Can’t restore hearing: A CROS microphone can act as a surrogate eardrum, but it can’t actually restore hearing. It is simply a way to transmit audio input from your ear with hearing loss to your ear without hearing loss.
- Require an adjustment period: Like any hearing device, CROS hearing aids take time to get used to. CROS systems may be particularly difficult, as they require adults to adjust the way they listen and interpret sounds, particularly when it comes to sound localization.
- Can be difficult to locate sounds: When all or most of the sounds you hear are being transmitted to one ear, it can be difficult to know where they are coming from. Even as you adjust to the new way of listening, it can be challenging to identify the source of certain noises when they all come through your ear with full hearing.
- May result in sound overload: Since all sounds are being transmitted to the hearing aid in your unaffected ear, it could result in an overload of sound. This is particularly true in busy environments, and it could be uncomfortable or confusing when transitioning from quiet to loud settings.
What Are BiCROS Hearing Aids?
BiCROS hearing aids are another option if you have single-sided deafness. They work similarly to CROS hearing aids, but they’re for individuals who experience hearing loss in their better ear too. A BiCROS hearing aid will amplify sounds in your better ear and transmit sounds from your deaf ear to your better ear. Both sides have a microphone, and the sounds get sent to the receiver in the better ear.
Quick Tip: Have questions about hearing aid technology? Check out our guide to how hearing aids work for answers.
Are CROS Hearing Aids Right for Me?
CROS hearing aids can be a great option if you have severe or profound hearing loss in one ear. A CROS system can help you hear sounds coming from multiple directions, which can enhance your ability to communicate and interact with your environment safely. However, CROS hearing aids tend to be more expensive and might take more getting used to than conventional hearing aids.
We think CROS hearing aids are best for:
- Older adults with severe or profound hearing loss in one ear
- Anyone with UHL who wants to improve communication and sound localization
- Seniors who are willing and able to pay more for their hearing aids
- Those who are concerned about UHL affecting their safety
FYI: Profound hearing loss often requires a prescription, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. Check out our guide to the best BTE hearing aids to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aids for One-Sided Hearing Loss
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Do hearing aids work for single-sided deafness?
Hearing aids may help individuals with single-sided deafness and hearing loss, but it depends on the severity of the unilateral hearing An audiologist can help determine what type of assistive hearing device, if any, could help you hear better.
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Is it OK to wear only one hearing aid?
If you have hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the other ear, wearing one hearing aid is Most individuals with age-related hearing loss experience hearing loss in both ears, however, even if it’s of varying severity in each ear. Research suggests that those individuals are more satisfied when they wear two hearing aids.
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What type of hearing aid is best for single-sided hearing loss?
The right solution for single-sided hearing loss depends on the severity of the loss. If you have nonfunctional hearing in one ear, CROS or BiCROS devices can be effective. Regular hearing aids may be sufficient for mild to severe single-sided hearing loss.
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Will a hearing aid cure my single-sided hearing loss?
No. Hearing aids cannot cure hearing loss, but wearing hearing aids can help you hear better.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Unilateral Hearing Loss (Single-Sided Deafness)
The Hearing Journal. (2015). Single-Sided Deafness Causes, and Solutions, Take Many Forms.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). One hearing aid or two?
Phonak. (2024). Hearing aids.