There are many different types of deafness, and each one can present its unique challenges. One type of deafness is single-sided deafness (SSD) or unilateral hearing loss.  This occurs when there is a problem with only one ear, resulting in reduced hearing in that ear. While several factors can cause SSD, one common cause is damage to the cochlea, which is the part of the ear responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. This type of damage can occur due to exposure to loud noise, certain medications, head injuries, or other health conditions.