Hearing handicap in patients with single sided deafness

Single sided deafness (SSD) refers to asymmetrical hearing loss, where there is a significant worsening of hearing in one ear compared to the other. In Cambridge, the investigators see large numbers of patients with SSD caused by vestibular schwannomas, due to their affiliation with the Neuro-Otology Department, with over 100 new SSD patients being referred every year. Only a small number of studies have explored hearing handicap for those with SSD, and music appreciation has not been investigated, to the best of the investigators knowledge, in this patient group. In the limited number of studies conducted on those with single sided deafness, often only one or two outcome measures have been used, or the patient group has been small. The investigators have a large group of patients with a wide range of aetiologies who have completed several questionnaires as part of their treatment in the single sided deafness clinic and the investigators would like to analyse these data. At present there are different devices available on the NHS for the management of SSD and many studies have explored benefits of Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA). There is an under-representation of studies looking specifically at CROS aid devices which is relevant given the cost differences involved between devices. Study goals and objectives * To find out what factors drive hearing handicap in SSD patients by analysing the results of several different well validated hearing handicap questionnaires * To find out whether or not it is possible to change hearing handicap in this patient group by looking to see if there is an improvement in questionnaire scores post treatment. * The investigators will also look at a sub-group who will be fitted with both traditional wired CROS aids and more up-to-date wireless aids which have been funded through a research grant, in order to assess whether these are more beneficial. * The investigators will use a new questionnaire developed in-house to further explore the impact of single sided deafness on music appreciation.