One of the most persistent myths about hearing loss is that people only need a hearing aid in one ear. While it is possible to lose hearing only in one ear, a lot of the hearing problems that require hearing aids affect both ears. Even when you don't have significant bilateral hearing loss, your audiologist might suggest that you need two hearing aids.
But why is this if you still have one 'good' ear? Read on to find out.
Hearing Loss and Background Noise
A common problem among people with hearing loss is being able to follow conversations in crowded places such as restaurants or loud parties. In situations like these, having one hearing aid that fixes the problem in one ear won't filter out loud background noise. On the other hand, hearing aids worn in both ears can work in conjunction and act as a filter to block out background noise and allow you to follow your conversation.
A lot of people wear hearing aids to amplify softer sounds, which requires them to turn up their devices in certain situations. The problem with this is that the louder setting is uncomfortable in some situations.
Having a second hearing aid can increase the range of your hearing so that you don't need to keep your devices turned up. This of course also saves time since you don't have to constantly adjust your hearing aids.
Hear Clearly from Both Ears
When you wear a hearing aid in one ear and not the other, you will almost certainly be able to hear better in your "enhanced" ear. Even if you don't have significant hearing loss in your other ear, you might develop a habit of turning your device toward the person who is speaking.
If you're wearing hearing aids in both ears, your hearing becomes that much more balanced and your 'good' ear won't have to overcompensate for the more affected ear. You will hear more clearly bilaterally and be more aware of everything around you. You don't have to worry about people speaking into the "wrong" ear when they talk to you, and you will be able to better focus on what is being said.
Consult With a Worcester Audiologist
In short, wearing two hearing aids makes life that much easier than wearing just one. Since no two cases of hearing loss are alike, you will need to consult with your Worcester audiologist for a clinical hearing consultation and find the hearing aids that are right for you. There are a wide variety of hearing aid models to choose from, many of which are discreet yet highly functional.
Hearing loss can be very difficult to manage on your own, so make sure you follow your doctor's advice and wear the proper devices for your hearing health and lifestyle.