Stick it in your ear

Factual Questions
1

This article about the man with the longest fingernails mentions quickly:

“I’ve lost 100 percent hearing in my right ear. My nerves there are dead because my left hand is unused,” Chillal said.

… but does not elaborate. How can this be so? I understand that the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, but that doesn’t even explain anything. Does anyone have an explanation?

2

To use one of Dear Old Dad’s favorite phrases, this guys has beans in his ears. Your nerves for hearing are all in your head.
I’ll admit it is odd CNN didn’t bother to check any of his statements before printing. <shrug>