It’s unusual for people to get the exact same amount of hearing loss in both ears at the same time. Because one ear commonly has worse hearing loss than the other, it sparks the question: Can I simply use one hearing aid for the ear that’s worse.
One hearing aid, in most situations, will not be better than two. But one hearing aid may be more appropriate in certain less common scenarios.
There’s a Reason Why You Have A Pair of Ears
Your ears efficiently function as a pair whether you’re aware of it or not. That means using two hearing aids has some advantages over wearing one.
- The Ability to Properly Localize: In order to figure out where sounds are coming from, your brain is not only working to interpret but also to place it. This is a lot easier when your brain can triangulate, and in order to do that, it needs solid inputs from both ears. When you can only hear well from one ear, it’s a lot more difficult to figure out where a sound is coming from (which may be crucial if you happen to live near a busy street, for instance).
- Improved Ear Health: Just as unused muscles can atrophy, so too can an unused sense. If your ears go long periods without an input, your hearing can begin to go downhill. Get the organs of your ears the input they need to maintain your hearing by using two hearing aids. Using two hearing aids will also help reduce tinnitus (if you have it) and increase your ability to discern sounds.
- Tuning in on Conversations: If you use a hearing aid, the whole point is to aid your hearing. Other people talking is something you will certainly want to hear. Using two hearing aids enables your brain to better tune out background noises. Because your mind has more available data your brain is able to determine what is closer and therefore more likely to be something you would want to focus on.
- Modern Hearing Aids Work Together: More modern hearing aid technology is designed to work as a pair in the same way as your ears are. The artificial intelligence and sophisticated features function well because the two pieces communicate with each other and, much like your brain, determine which sounds to focus on and amplify.
Is One Hearing Practical in Some Scenarios?
Wearing two hearing aids is usually a better choice. But that raises the question: If someone is using a hearing aid in only one ear, why?
Commonly we hear two specific reasons:
- Monetary concerns: Some people think that they can save money if they can use just one hearing aid. Purchasing one hearing aid is better then not getting any at all if you can’t really afford a pair. It’s significant to understand, however, it has been proven that your overall health costs will increase if you have untreated hearing loss. Even ignoring hearing loss for two years has been shown to increase your healthcare costs by 26 percent, and neglecting any hearing loss in one ear will increase your risks for things like falling. So speak with your hearing expert to make sure only getting one hearing aid is a smart plan for you. Discovering ways to help make hearing aids more affordable is an additional service we offer.
- One Ear Still Has Perfect Hearing: If just one of your ears requires a hearing aid, then you may be best served by having a hearing aid in just one ear but it’s certainly something you should talk to your hearing professional about (having one better ear is not the same as having one perfect ear).
One Hearing Aid is Not as Beneficial as Two
In most circumstances, however, two hearing aids are going to be healthier for your ears and your hearing than just one. The benefits of hearing as well as possible out of both of your ears are simply too plentiful to dismiss. In the majority of circumstances, just as having two ears is better than having only one, having two hearing aids is definitely better than having only one. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care pro to have your hearing checked.