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Robby Young's Hearing Aid Center - Coachella Valley, CA

Man able to enjoy lively party because he's using two hearing aids instead of one.

It’s unusual for people to get identical amount of hearing loss in both ears simultaneously. One ear is normally a little worse than the other, triggering many to ask the question: Can I just get one hearing aid in the ear that’s worse.

In most instances, two hearing aids are will be better than just one. But there are certain instances, dramatically less common instances, that is, in which a single hearing aid could be the way to go.

It’s Not an Accident That Ears Come in a Pair

Whether you know it or not, your ears effectively function as a pair. That means using two hearing aids has some benefits over wearing one.

  • Being Able to Localize Properly: In order to determine 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 requires solid signals from both ears. It is a lot more difficult to determine where sounds are coming from when you’re only able to hear well out of one ear (Which might come in handy, for example, if you live near a busy street).
  • Modern Hearing Aids Work as a Set: Just as your ears work together naturally, more modern hearing aid technology is created to work as a pair. The two hearing aids communicate with each other using advanced features and artificial intelligence to, much like your brain, recognize which sounds to focus on and amplify.
  • Improved Ear Health: An unused sense will atrophy in the same way as an unused muscle will. Your hearing can begin to go downhill if your ears don’t receive regular sound input. Wearing hearing aids in both ears ensures that the organs connected with hearing receive the input necessary to preserve your hearing. Wearing two hearing aids can also help minimize tinnitus (if you have it) and improve your ability to identify sounds.
  • Focusing on Conversations: The whole point of using a hearing aid is to help your hearing. One of the things you want to hear is other people and the conversation going on near you. Wearing two hearing aids allows 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.

Does One Hearing Aid Make Sense in Certain Circumstances?

In the majority of circumstances, using a pair of hearing aids is the more effective choice. But that brings up the question: If somebody is wearing a hearing aid in only one ear, why?

Normally we hear two distinct reasons:

  • Monetary concerns: Some individuals feel if they can get by with just one they will spend less. If you really can’t afford to buy two, getting one is better than not getting one at all. It’s significant to recognize, however, it has been proven that your total 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 ignoring any hearing loss in one ear will elevate your chances of things like falling. So speak with your hearing specialist to make certain getting only a single hearing aid is a smart idea for you. Finding ways to help make hearing aids more affordable is an additional service we offer.
  • One Ear Still Has Perfect Hearing: If only one of your ears requires a hearing aid, then you could be best served by using a hearing aid in just one ear but it’s definitely something you should talk to your hearing professional about (having one better ear is not the same as having one perfect ear).

Two Aids Are Preferable to One

In the vast majority of circumstances, however, two hearing aids will be better for your ears and your hearing than only one. The benefits of having strong hearing in both of your ears are simply too many to dismiss. So, yes, in the majority of circumstances, two hearing aids are better than one (just like two ears are better than one). Schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional to have your hearing examined.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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