Single-Sided Deafness & Cochlear Implant Journey: A Teen and Parent Perspective

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What does it really mean to live with single-sided deafness?

In this episode of the EmpowEAR Audiology Podcast, I sit down with a mom and her teen daughter to share their family’s journey with single-sided deafness (SSD) — from diagnosis and daily listening challenges to the decision to pursue a cochlear implant and life beyond activation.

Although SSD can appear “invisible,” this conversation highlights the real impact it can have on listening effort, fatigue, confidence, and identity — especially in school and social settings. Together, we explore what it’s like to grow up with hearing in one ear, how cochlear implantation entered the conversation, and what families and professionals need to understand to better support students with SSD.

This episode blends lived experience with educational insight, offering encouragement, perspective, and reassurance for families navigating similar decisions.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and share — it helps more families and professionals find the stories they need to hear.

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler.

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com