Why two?
Fact:
Over 60% of individuals who wear hearing aids are fit binaurally. The benefits of wearing two hearing aids are enhanced ability to
(a) hear better in the presence of background noise,
(b) determine where sound is coming from, and
(c) hear soft sounds at lower levels.
10 reasons why you should wear two hearing instruments?
1. Better understanding in noisy places.
By wearing 2 hearing instruments, rather than one, selective listening is more easily achieved. This means your brain can focus on the conversation you want to hear and ignore the unwanted background noise more easily.
2. Binaural hearing assists you in better identification of direction of sound
This is called localization. In a social gathering, for example, localization allows you to hear from which direction someone is speaking to you. Also localization helps you determine from which direction traffic is coming or where your children or grandchildren are playing. Simply put, with binaural hearing, you will easily detect where sounds are coming from in every situation.
3. Binaural creates better sound quality.
When you listen to a stereo system, you use both speakers to get the smoothest, sharpest and more natural sound quality. The same can be said for hearing instruments. By wearing two hearing instruments, you can increase your hearing range from 180 degrees reception with just one instrument to 360 degree. This greater range provides a better sense of balance and sound quality.
4. Binaural hearing creates smoother tone quality.
Wearing two hearing instruments generally requires less volume than one. This results in less distortion and better reproduction of amplified sounds.
5. Binaural hearing creates a wider hearing range.
It’s true. A person can hear sounds from a father distance with two ears, rather than just one. A voice that’s barely heard at 10 feet with one ear can be heard up to 40 feet with two ears.
6. Binaural hearing allows better sound identification.
Often, with just one hearing instrument, many noises and words sound alike. But with 2 hearing instruments, as with two ears, sounds are more easily distinguishable.
7. Binaural hearing keeps both your ears active.
Research has shown that when only one hearing instruments is worn, the unaided ear tends to lose its ability to hear and understand. Whereas, those wearing two hearing instruments keep both their ears active.
8. Binaural hearing is less tiring and therefore, makes hearing a more pleasant experience.
Many binaural hearing aid users report that listening and participating in a conversation is more enjoyable with two instruments instead of just one. Thus, binaural hearing can help make life more relaxing.
9. Binaural hearing creates a feeling of balance.
Two-ear hearing results in a feeling of balanced reception of sound, also known as the stereo effect where as monaural hearing creates an unusual feeling of sound being heard in one ear.
10. Binaural hearing instruments are more comfortable when loud noises occur
A lower volume control setting is required with each of two hearing instruments than with one hearing instrument.