Yes, in the beginning I experienced the same as you. I had surgery two years ago and am single sided hearing (prefer to use "hearing" rather than "deaf") and experienced much tension/stress due to my hearing ear taking on the "load" of noise that is present in everyday life. My hearing ear is very sensitive to sound and had my doctors helped me in the beginning, with life after single-sided hearing, my stress levels and frustration would have diminished considerably. Don't know if most have had same experience with their doctors regarding lack of communication in helping the patient cope before discharging them from the hospital. I pretty much fended for myself and stumbled on ear plugs. I found using an ear plug will decrease the backround noise enough where I can hear a little better, as long as, they are facing me while talking or on my hearing side. The phone, stereo, hair dryer, windy days, driving in a convertible (with top up), etc. are too noisy for me. I own a few earplugs (I prefer the ones swimmers use) and keep them in different locations to use as needed. I still look in the opposite directions when talked to--sigh, but after explaining, the person will always smile and make me feel comfortable. Knowing your limitations and accepting them helps a great deal. I find turning away from or denying our problems results in that problem continuing to make itself noticed by never going away until you face it, own up to it, etc. Talking about your problems, limitations helps as in this forum you will find much support and given tools to help cope.
A word of CAUTION! to those with single-sided hearing. Just the other day while walking my dog in the median, a truck pulling a trailor passed by me. I was standing on the grass near the curb ready to step backwards for better balance, (the soft grass throws my balance off), when the truck (moving at a fast clip) passed behind me. I did not hear the truck approaching (approached me on my deaf side) until it passed me and then my hearing ear picked up the noise. Had my timing been different I would not be here writing to you, I would be in the hospital or worse--the morge. I have since changed my approach to walking my dog (no more in the median) and as for the cars and trucks I will have to be extra dilligent in being cautious when moving, stepping, balance etc. while walking around my street. WHEW!
