Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Semi-Automated Analysis of Peak Amplitude and Latency for Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using R
Published on: December 9, 2022
Impact of unilateral hearing loss in early development
Rebecca Bell1, Maggie Mouzourakis, Sean R Wise
1Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Purpose Of Review:
The purpose of this review is to provide an update on current literature as it relates to the impact of unilateral hearing loss for the pediatric population.
Recent Findings:
Current studies further corroborate past research findings which reveal the potential consequences of unilateral hearing loss on spatial hearing, language, and neurocognitive functioning. Deficits among children with unilateral hearing loss may parallel those seen in children with bilateral hearing loss, further challenging historic views that hearing in one ear in childhood is sufficient for normal development. The potential deficiencies seen in children with unilateral hearing loss can be subtler than those seen with bilateral hearing loss, but may nonetheless also impact school performance, patient fatigue, parental stress, and quality of life. Early interventions within a sensitive period of development of the central auditory system may circumvent potential barriers in cognitive, academic, and psychosocial development.
Summary:
This review synthesizes the latest research on the impact of unilateral hearing loss in childhood and the role for possible interventions. The summarized information may serve to support the development of new guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of children with unilateral hearing loss.
Related Concept Videos
Unrenewable Cells
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of...
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Hearing
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...

