AUDIOLOGY

Q: Why do I need two hearing aids? Can’t I use just one?

A:

Just like your ears, hearing aids also come in pairs. Sometimes people can have better hearing in one ear while the other ear provides much less hearing. In this case, only one hearing aid would be necessary. However, many people have hearing difficulties that are the same in both ears and need two hearing aids. Wearing two hearing aids makes communication much easier for people with decreased hearing abilities in both ears. This is because we use both of our ears to find out where sounds are coming from. If you wear only one hearing aid when you need two, you can miss sounds that are happening closer to the ear without the hearing aid. You may also find yourself having to work harder to listen by constantly needing to turn your ear with the hearing aid in the direction(s) of sound.

Wearing two hearing aids also makes it easier for you to listen in noisy situations. When you wear two hearing aids, they “talk” to each other sharing information about sounds coming from each side of the head. This information will help you adjust to the environment you are in.

Another important reason to wear two hearing aids is to help your brain. If you wear only one hearing aid when you need two, your hearing in the ear without the hearing aid can decrease because your brain is not receiving consistent sound input – if you don’t water a flower, it will not grow! Call to schedule an appointment. Life Sounds Great!

The Hearing Center Advanced Audiology Concepts

8897 Mentor Avenue Mentor, 44060 440-205-8848