Unilateral Hearing Loss and Dental Care: A Questionnaire Survey of Patient Challenges and Provider Responses

Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) refers to significant hearing impairment in one ear, with normal or near-normal hearing in the other. Individuals with UHL often have difficulty hearing in noisy environments, such as dental offices. This study was undertaken to examine the specific needs of individuals with UHL related to the dental care delivery process, such as speaking from the hearing side and reducing background noise.

A web-based survey was conducted through the official website of Kikoiro, a Japanese community organization focused on individuals with UHL. Participants were individuals with UHL, defined as normal hearing in one ear and hearing loss of 25 dB HL to complete deafness in the other ear. Those with bilateral hearing loss and family members or proxies were excluded. The purpose, target population, and important information regarding the survey were clearly stated on the website. A link to the survey form, created using the SurveyMonkey application, was posted, with responses collected in a voluntary manner.

A total of 378 individuals with UHL participated in the survey. Many reported difficulties communicating in a noisy dental environment. Necessary adaptations noted included clear and slow speech, reduced background noise, visual cues, and communication from the hearing side, while visual aids and written explanations before and after treatment were also considered helpful. The results indicate the importance of specific communication and environmental adjustments when providing dental care for this population.

In dental clinic settings, consideration of patient hearing ability is essential, especially for those with UHL. Improving the communication environment benefits not only affected patients but also contributes to more inclusive dental care.