By CASSANDRA WILSON, AU.D., CCC-A, FAAA
Why Binaural Hearing Aids Are Better Than One
When it comes to addressing hearing loss, the choice of hearing aids can make a significant difference in quality of life. People with hearing loss in both ears often face the question: should they use one hearing aid or two? While it might seem logical to choose just one hearing aid to save costs or for simplicity, research and clinical experience overwhelmingly support the use of binaural hearing aids for individuals with bilateral hearing loss.
Understanding Binaural Hearing
Binaural hearing refers to the natural ability of the brain to process sounds from both ears simultaneously. This process allows us to localize sound, distinguish speech from background noise, and enjoy a fuller, more balanced auditory experience. When hearing is impaired in both ears, the brain’s ability to integrate sounds diminishes, leading to challenges in communication, spatial awareness, and overall quality of life. Simply stated, you have two ears because you need two ears. If you try to amplify sound in only one ear, you cannot expect to do very well. Even good hearing instruments will sound “flat” or “dull” when worn in only one ear.
Using only one hearing aid can exacerbate these difficulties. The brain becomes deprived of essential auditory input from the unaided ear, making it harder to process sounds effectively. One ear working by itself cannot do this as well. The brain needs to compare and contrast loudness, pitch, and the phase (timing) of the sounds from the two ears to make sense of it.
It’s sort of like using your eyes. If you close one eye, you cannot get depth perception. In other words, if you were to close one, it becomes very difficult to tell how far something is in front of you. You’ll find yourself getting tired more quickly as you are straining and working harder to make visual sense of the world.
Benefits of Binaural Hearing Aids
Binaural hearing aids work together to create a more natural and effective hearing experience. One advantage is improved sound localization. Sound localization—the ability to identify where a sound is coming from—relies on the brain’s interpretation of subtle differences in timing and intensity of sounds reaching each ear. Without input from both ears, localization becomes challenging, making everyday situations, such as crossing the street or responding to someone calling your name, more difficult. Binaural hearing aids restore this ability, enhancing safety and communication.
In noisy environments, one of the greatest challenges for individuals with hearing loss is distinguishing speech from background noise. Binaural hearing aids significantly improve speech recognition by enabling the brain to focus on the speech signal while filtering out distracting sounds. This phenomenon, known as the “binaural speech effect,” is only possible when both ears are actively engaged.
Binaural hearing aids also provide a balanced and natural sound quality. Wearing a hearing aid in only one ear can create an unbalanced auditory experience, with sounds seeming louder or clearer on one side.
Preventing Auditory Deprivation
Auditory deprivation occurs when the unaided ear receives insufficient stimulation over time, leading to a decline in its ability to process sound effectively. This can make it harder to adapt to hearing aids later on. By using binaural hearing aids, both ears remain actively engaged, reducing the risk of auditory deprivation and preserving long-term hearing function.
Reducing Listening Effort
Listening with one ear places extra strain on the brain as it struggles to compensate for the lack of input from the other ear. This increased cognitive load can lead to listening fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Binaural hearing aids distribute the auditory workload evenly, making it easier to listen and communicate throughout the day.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some individuals may hesitate to opt for binaural hearing aids due to cost concerns, the belief that one hearing aid is sufficient, or worries about managing two devices. However, advancements in hearing aid technology have addressed many of these issues. Modern hearing aids are smaller, more user-friendly, and equipped with features such as Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries, making them easier to use and maintain. Additionally, many insurance plans and hearing care providers offer financing options or discounts for purchasing binaural hearing aids.
The Role of Audiologists
An audiologist plays a critical role in guiding patients toward the best hearing solution. Through comprehensive hearing evaluations and consultations, audiologists can determine the degree of hearing loss in each ear and recommend appropriate hearing aids.
Choosing binaural hearing aids is an investment in long-term hearing health and quality of life. Come see us at Hearing Services of McKinney and let’s talk about the latest advancements in hearing technology to help you overcome the limitations of hearing loss. Let us help you embrace a future of better communication and connection.
Learn more at www.hearinmckinney.com.
