Guide
Deaf in one ear, with tinnitus
An ear infection took the hearing on one side of my head and left a constant whoosh. Here's what I'd want you to know.
If you've lost the hearing in one ear and have tinnitus, ask for a proper hearing test, ask about hearing options such as CROS aids, and tell people which side to talk to. If the hearing loss is sudden, treat it as an emergency and get seen straight away.
My story
I lost my hearing on one side back in late 2024, after a bad ear infection. I'd never had tinnitus before, and it left a constant whooshing, like white noise, where the hearing used to be. The nights were tough and the adjustment period was long.
1. Ask for a proper hearing test
Audiology can tell you what's going on and what's possible. It's also how you get the words you need for everything that follows.
2. Ask about hearing options
Some hearing aids, called CROS aids, pick up sound on your deaf side and send it to your good ear. The NHS says hearing aids may help if you also have hearing loss. An audiologist can tell you what suits your hearing.
3. Tell people which side to talk to
It's a lot easier than saying "pardon?" all night.
The nights
One ear or two, the nights can be the hardest part. Soft sound just below the tinnitus, a boring routine and getting up if you've been awake a while are the same places I'd start. The louder-at-night guide goes through why.
If this is you, you're not the only one. Hearing on one side is more common than people think.
Free guide
The 2am Sleep Guide
3 things to try tonight, the "just below the ringing" sound set-up, and my wind-down routine.
Get the free guideQuestions
Is sudden hearing loss in one ear an emergency?
Yes. If it comes on suddenly, get seen straight away. In the UK, the NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if tinnitus comes with sudden hearing loss.
What is single-sided deafness?
It means having little or no usable hearing in one ear and typical hearing, or better hearing, in the other. An audiologist can tell you exactly what your hearing test shows.
Written by Matt, who has lived with tinnitus for 2 years. I'm not a doctor or an audiologist, and this isn't medical advice. Last updated 3 November 2026.
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