Hearing Loss Due to Unilateral Microtia: Discover David’s Solution

Meet David, a 33-year-old from Australia who was born with unilateral microtia and has found a hearing solution for his single-sided hearing loss. Today, David can enjoy stereo sound in conversations and everyday life. Find out here what solution he recommends for hearing loss due to unilateral microtia.

CI user Dave wearing his SAMBA 2 and talking to his son

My name is David. I’m 33 years old, live in Australia, and I work in software. In my spare time I like to cook with the produce I grow on my farm, compete in wood-chopping competitions, work on tiny ride-on cars with my son, and adventure with my wife.

Hearing Loss due to Unilateral Microtia

Born with unilateral microtia on my right side, I had never known stereo sound. My microtia means I have no outer ear or channel for sound to enter my fully formed inner ear. My hearing loss wasn’t a surprise, but fully understanding its impact came later.

Microtia is a congenital condition where the outer ear (pinna) is underdeveloped or missing, often affecting one or both ears. It can range from a slightly small ear to a complete absence of external ear structures. Because the ear canal may also be narrow or closed (atresia), microtia can significantly impair hearing by preventing sound from properly reaching the inner ear, leading to conductive hearing loss on the affected side.

A pivotal moment came during a hearing test my wife observed from behind a booth window. While I thought I was nailing it, I could see her face change with every word I got wrong.

With 97% hearing in my left ear and just 3% in my right, I learned to adapt over the years by sitting strategically at tables, lip reading, and relying on support from my twin brother and my wife.

Discovering the Right Device for Hearing Loss

I’m in the rare position where I’ve had the opportunity to try both competing products on the market for my type of hearing loss. First, I tried out a boned anchoreded hearing aid (BAHA), however the auditory experiences with it was less than satisfying. I leveraged my knowledge around sound reproduction and audio engineering—and found out about MED-EL’s BONEBRIDGE bone conduction implant. I trusted that this technology in combination with the SAMBA 2 audio processor would provide a superior sound profile.

And from the moment my SAMBA 2 was activated, I knew that I made the right choice.

David

BONEBRIDGE user from Australia

SAMBA 2 Audio Processor

Discover SAMBA 2 Here

The Benefits of BONEBRIDGE and SAMBA 2

What stood out most to me about BONEBRIDGE and SAMBA 2 is definitely the sound profile. With my previous audio processor, the sound profile was flat and muted, but with BONEBRIDGE’s electromagnetic transducer, the sound is by far warmer and richer.

The sound with my SAMBA 2 resembles natural sound much better than my previous device and thus merges better with my working ear. It is simply less fatiguing on my brain.

I also really appreciate the design. The slim profile works well with my hairstyle—or lack of it!
The battery life of my SAMBA 2 audio processor is seriously impressive.
I enjoy frequently using the SAMBA 2 GO, especially for podcasts and audiobooks.
The biggest positive changes I have experienced thanks to my implant are the reduced strain on relationships and reestablished flow in conversations. My hearing device supports me in both 1:1 and small group conversations. It has given me a new level of confidence, especially during my time lecturing and teaching at university.

CI user Dave showing off his SAMBA 2 audio processor

My Advice for Others With Hearing Loss

Don’t wait to explore what’s available to you now. I wish I had started my implant journey earlier. Granted, I was waiting for the technology to improve before trying it—but at this point, now is a great time!

And if you already have a hearing implant, share your feedback with your local teams and device manufacturers. That’s how we all get better solutions.

Thank you, Dave!