This study compared the differences in localisation of sound between those with symmetrical hearing within normal limits (NH) and those with single-sided deafness (SSD). Unsurprisingly, those with SSD took longer to localise sounds and had a higher error rate. Although head movement for the SSD group did not eliminate the potential risk for errors, it did improve accuracy in localisation, albeit the reaction time was slightly longer than the NH participants. So, even with head turns, there is a requirement for extra processing effort for those with SSD. However, it does encourage an educational counselling suggestion – namely, keep on moving, it will improve your accuracy of localisation.

