If you’re experiencing hearing loss, you may wonder whether you need to wear one or two hearing aids. The answer largely depends on the nature of your hearing loss and your specific needs. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of wearing two hearing aids and why one may be appropriate for those with unilateral hearing loss.

Our brains are designed for binaural hearing, which means we’re naturally equipped to process sound from both ears. Wearing two hearing aids has several advantages over using just one:

1. Improved Localisation: Two hearing aids help you determine the direction and origin of sounds more accurately. This ability, known as localisation, is crucial for navigating your environment and staying safe.
2. Better Sound Quality: Wearing hearing aids in both ears allows for a more balanced and natural listening experience. It can help reduce the need for higher volume settings and contribute to improved sound quality.
3. Enhanced Speech Understanding: With two hearing aids, you can better understand speech in noisy environments. The brain can more easily focus on the desired sounds and filter out background noise.
4. Reduced Listening Effort: Binaural hearing aids reduce the cognitive load on your brain. This can result in less listening fatigue, allowing you to participate in conversations and activities for more extended periods.

In some cases, using just one hearing aid might be appropriate:

• Unilateral Hearing Loss: If you have hearing loss in only one ear, your audiologist may recommend a single hearing aid. This can help restore balance and improve your ability to understand speech and environmental sounds.
• Significant Difference in Hearing Between Ears: If there’s a considerable difference in hearing ability between your ears, your audiologist may suggest a single hearing aid for the ear with more severe hearing loss. They may also recommend a CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) system, which transmits sound from the poorer ear to the better ear.

Ultimately, the decision to wear one or two hearing aids should be made in consultation with your audiologist or hearing specialist. They will assess your hearing, lifestyle, and personal preferences to help you make an informed choice that best meets your needs.

At Alto Hearing, our team of experts is committed to helping you find the right hearing solution. If you have questions about whether one or two hearing aids are right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. We’re here to guide you on your journey to better hearing.

Article by Adam Bostock