Why Two Ears Are Better Than One

By Camron Meikle, AuD

If you have hearing loss in both ears (bilateral hearing loss), then you are most likely a candidate for two hearing aids. Let me share with you why two hearing aids are better than one.

Better understanding of speech. By wearing two hearing aids, rather than one, selective listening is more easily achieved. This means your brain can focus on the conversation you want to hear. People wearing two hearing aids routinely understand speech and conversation significantly better than people wearing one hearing aid.

Better understanding in group and noisy situations. Speech intelligibility is improved in difficult listening situations when wearing two hearing aids.

Better ability to tell the direction of sound. This is called localization. Simply put, with binaural hearing, you will better detect where sounds are coming from in every situation.

Better sound quality. When you listen to a stereo system, you use both speakers to get the smoothest, sharpest, most natural sound quality. The same can be said of hearing aids.

Smoother tone quality. Wearing two hearing aids generally requires less volume than one. The need for less volume results in less distortion and better reproduction of amplified sounds.

Wider hearing range. A person can hear sounds from a further distance with two ears, rather than just one.

Better sound identification. Often, with just one hearing aid, many noises and words sound alike. But with two hearing aids, as with two ears, sounds are more easily distinguishable.

Keeps both ears active resulting in potentially less hearing loss deterioration. Research has shown that when only one hearing aid is worn, the unaided ear tends to lose its ability to hear and understand. Wearing two hearing aids keeps both ears active.

Hearing is less tiring and listening more pleasant. Listening and participating in conversation is more enjoyable with two instruments, instead of just one. This is because you do not have to strain to hear with the better ear. Thus, binaural hearing can help make life more relaxing.

Feeling of balanced hearing. Two-eared hearing results in a feeling of balanced reception of sound.

Tinnitus Masking. About 50% of people with ringing in their ears report improvement when wearing hearing aids.

Logically, just as you use both eyes to see clearly, you need two healthy ears to hear clearly. Before you decide on one hearing aid, try two. Your hearing healthcare professional can demonstrate to you the binaural advantage experience during your trial hearing aid fitting.