Why Do I Need Two Hearing Aids?

The simple answer is that we have two ears for binaural listening.  Our auditory systems are wired to allow for the best possible hearing and understanding with two ears. 

If you’ve had a Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation and you have a hearing loss in both ears, typically two hearing aids will be recommended. It may be tempting and cost effective to go with a single device, however one ear simply can’t do the job of two.

Some of the benefits are:

Better Sound Localization:
The ability to know where sound is coming from is called localization.  Whether you are in a noisy restaurant, in a meeting, sitting in a car or having a conversation with your significant other being able to hear speech on both sides is critical to fully participating in conversations.  If you are only wearing a hearing aid in one ear, you can’t localize what’s being said on the other side.  However, if you are utilizing binaural listening, the ability to localize sound increases with two hearing aids.

Reduction of Background Noise:
Hearing in the presence of background noise tends to be one of the number one complaints an Audiologist hears.  When you are using one hearing aid, you would be turning up the volume on everything, including the noise.  When you have two hearing aids with directional microphones, you are more able to distinguish voices in the presence of background noise.  

Reduced Hearing Aid Volume:
An unwanted drawback to only having one hearing aid is the need to have the volume at an uncomfortably high level in order compensate.  Many unilateral wearers tend to complain that the volume is uncomfortably loud or people are yelling at them.  

In contrast, those who have two hearing aids are able to hear at a more comfortable level because both ears are working together to understand speech in the environment.

Deliver Higher Satisfaction with Hearing Aids Overall:
Studies have shown that people who have two hearing aids are more satisfied than those who decide to wear only one.  The overall quality of sound provided by two hearing aids will significantly improve the listening experience.  Listening to your environment with two hearing aids puts less of a strain on the individual and helps to make sense of the sounds in your environment.  

Is Anyone Ever A Candidate for One Hearing Aid?
Yes. If you have normal hearing in one ear and mild or moderate hearing loss in the other, one hearing aid may help to “balance” your hearing. 

OR

There are cases when a patient may have hearing loss in one ear and complete loss in the other ear.  A hearing aid may not benefit the other ear.  It may be possible that a CROS hearing aid or a high-powered hearing aid, but your Audiologist will go over your options.

 At Hear Well Audiology you can be assured that you are getting the best care for you hearing health. Check out our selection of hearing aid brands!

Call Dr. Leigh Hogan at (504) 616-8919 to set up your appointment for a Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation today!