ARE YOU FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO DISCERN WHERE SOUNDS ORIGINATE, OR DO YOU FEEL YOU’RE ONLY CATCHING HALF OF THE CONVERSATION IN NOISY SETTINGS?

YOU MIGHT BE AMONG THE MANY IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCING SINGLE-SIDED DEAFNESS (SSD).

WHAT IS SINGLE-SIDED DEAFNESS?

SSD IS A HEARING IMPAIRMENT WHERE ONE EAR HAS SIGNIFICANT HEARING LOSS WHILE THE OTHER FUNCTIONS NORMALLY. IF YOU'RE MANAGING FINE IN QUIET SITUATIONS BUT STRUGGLING AMIDST NOISE, THIS COULD BE YOUR REALITY.

WATCH CAROLINE’S STORY OF SINGLE SIDED DEAFNESS

WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT? | HOW HEARING AIDS AND IMPLANTS HELP RECOVER HEARING LOSS

SOLUTIONS AND INTERVENTIONS FOR SSD

Despite the challenges SSD presents, there are innovative interventions available:

·      CROS Hearing Aid: Redirects sound from the non-hearing ear to the hearing ear.
·      Cochlear Implant: Bypasses damaged parts of the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve directly.

FUNDING OPTIONS FOR SSD TREATMENT

Currently, SSD treatment options are accessible privately or through ACC for noise-induced loss:

·      ACC: Covers two cochlear implants for injury-related hearing loss.
·      Private Insurance: Takes care of surgery and specialist appointments, not the device.
·      Personal Funding: Some rely on family, crowdfunding, or fundraising to afford devices.
·      Lend Your Voice: Campaign for Better SSD Funding
·      There’s a noticeable gap in funded SSD healthcare in our country. Join us in advocating for change and inclusivity in hearing health care.