Prevalence of <scp>Single‐Sided</scp> Deafness in the United States

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis The aim of this study was to obtain a reliable estimate of single‐sided deafness (SSD) prevalence in the adult U.S. population. Methods A cross‐sectional national epidemiologic study was performed. Participants were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Each cohort includes a nationally representative sample of approximately 5,000 noninstitutionalized civilians. Subjects 20 years old and over with audiometric testing were included. SSD was defined as normal hearing (pure‐tone average [PTA] of ≤25 dB) in one ear and severe or worse hearing (PTA &gt; 70 dB) in the other, using both three‐ and four‐frequency PTA definition. Prevalence was measured as a raw number (n) and percentage (%) of the sample. Weighted estimates of prevalence were calculated based on the 2019 U.S. population census. Results An estimated 345,064 Americans (estimated prevalence of 0.14%, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.24) had SSD. SSD was more prevalent in individuals 60 to 79 years of age (estimated 155,917 U.S. adults, prevalence of 0.25%). A higher prevalence of SSD was noted among women compared to men (215,430 U.S. adult women, prevalence of 0.17% vs. 131,726 U.S. adult men, prevalence of 0.11%). Using a three‐frequency PTA definition resulted in an estimated prevalence of 0.11%. Finally, 27% of adults with SSD reported having “good” or “excellent” hearing despite their hearing loss. Conclusions The prevalence of SSD in the United States is estimated at 0.11%–0.14% (271,122 to 345,064 adults), depending on PTA definition used. These individuals could potentially benefit from auditory rehabilitation, including cochlear implantation. Level of Evidence 2 Laryngoscope , 132:1652–1656, 2022