If you are experiencing hearing loss in both ears, then you are more than likely a candidate for two hearing instruments. Here at Central Park ENT, one of our knowledgeable audiologists will work with you to determine if two hearing instruments are appropriate for your loss. While one hearing device is sufficient for some people, there are many advantages to using two hearing instruments instead of one for certain patients. Following outlines some of the most common reasons why two different hearing instruments may be required:
You will have an easier time determining where sound is coming from. This is also known as localization. There are certain situations where not knowing where a sound is coming from can pose a safety hazard. For example, if you are walking in a parking lot and a car is approaching it will always seem like it is coming from the direction of your good ear.
Keeps your brain and hearing nerve active. Hearing loss causes changes to the brain and nerve of hearing. If the ear is unable to hear sounds for an extended period of tim,e the nerve and brain can “forget” how to process these sounds. This will result in a decreased ability to understand speech.
Better able to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments. Your brain is more capable of filtering extraneous sounds when it is listening through two ears. This results in a more pleasurable listening experience for the hearing instrument user.
Better sound quality. There is a smoother, crisper and more natural sound quality when you listen through two speakers (stereo). Wearing two hearing instruments provides this stereo experience.
Better tolerance to loud sounds. In order to compensate for using only one hearing instrument, the settings are set slightly higher than if a patient wears two.
Improved hearing range. The hearing instrument user is more likely to hear a speaker’s voice from a slightly further distance when two hearing instruments are used instead of just one.
Improved ease of listening. Patients report that it is easier to participate in conversations when they use two hearing instruments. This results in less fatigue.
Balanced listening. The patient may be unaware that a person is speaking to them if they are standing on the side of the unaided ear. People who have hearing loss in both ears – but only wear one hearing instrument – will need to turn their heads so that the aided ear is pointed to the speaker.
Patient preference and satisfaction. The majority of hearing instrument users prefer to wear two hearing instruments when hearing loss is present in both ears. Research has repeatedly shown that patients with two hearing instruments are more satisfied.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing hearing loss and would like more information on hearing evaluations and solutions, please contact the Audiologists at Central Park ENT. With convenient locations in Arlington, Dallas and Fort Worth we would love to help you hear better!