THOUSANDS of people who are deaf in one ear are missing out on effective treatment, say experts.

The Advisory Group for Single Sided Deafness (SSD) - which includes two specialists in Newcastle - says too many people are not receiving treatment because of a lack of awareness among health professionals.

Tens of thousands suffer from SSD and it is estimated there are 9,000 new cases in the UK every year. Yet few receive access to effective treatment available on the NHS.

In their report, the group recommends that SSD should be recognised as a serious and potentially debilitating condition.

The group includes Professor David Mendelow from Newcastle General Hospital and Ian Johnson from the city's Freeman Hospital.

Symptoms experienced by SSD sufferers are different from those experienced by hearing loss in both ears. But for many people with SSD the condition has a disabling effect on work, home and social life.

Patients can either be fitted with a tiny titanium implant behind the ear, linked to a small external sound processor or with a system which involves two hearing aids and a connecting wire. Both treatments are available on the NHS.

Mr Johnson, a consultant surgeon at the Freeman Hospital, said: "There has been a perception that little can be done for these patients but these patients ought to be referred as treatment options exist."