Why Bilateral Hearing Aids Provide Better Hearing Performance
Starting the search for hearing aids can seem daunting, and you’ll probably have lots of questions as you begin to look. One of the most commonly asked questions is, ‘Do you need hearing aids in both ears?’ We’ll save you some time—the short answer is yes! If you have hearing loss in both ears, which is more common than hearing loss in one ear, wearing two hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing and overall experience.
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Binaural & Bilateral Hearing Aids: What Do They Mean?
Binaural and Bilateral are two different terms that don’t define a type of hearing aid but instead define how a hearing aid works.
- Binaural hearing aids are devices that are connected to each other via Bluetooth so they work together to provide a more natural hearing experience. They use information from both ears to improve sound perception, localization, and noise separation.
- Bilateral hearing aids are hearing aids fitted to each ear to improve hearing. Using bilateral hearing aids means that, with both ears detecting sounds, directionality of sound is maintained.
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Start the quiz nowDo You Need Two Hearing Aids?
Years ago, it was common for people to wear just one hearing aid, even with hearing loss in both ears. But, research has since shown that bilateral hearing aids (hearing aids used in both ears) offer a much better listening experience. Here are a few reasons why:
Another benefit of binaural summation is that two ears working together can pick up sound from much farther away than one alone. A voice that’s barely audible at 10 feet with one hearing aid may be heard at 40 feet with both hearing aids.
Learn more about how hearing aids work.
One Hearing Aid vs. Two: When You May Need Just One
The overwhelming majority of people benefit from wearing two hearing aids, but there are extremely specific situations in which just one hearing aid may be required:
- If you have hearing loss in just one ear, a single hearing aid may be all you need.
- Some medical conditions like Meniere’s Disease create oversensitivity to sound (hyperacusis). In these patients, aiding the better hearing ear can be more effective and more comfortable.
Curious about what type of hearing aid may be best for you? Take our hearing aid quiz.
Do you need hearing aids in both ears?
As you can see, if you have hearing loss in both ears, the short answer is: yes. Amplifon Hearing Health Care can help you find the hearing aids that best fit you and your lifestyle. Find a hearing professional near you to get a hearing test and expert guidance on the best solution for you!
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**Care package details vary by plan. Exclusions and limitations may apply. Separate care packages may be available through your provider. These care packages are not included in your Amplifon benefit and may result in additional out-of-pocket cost. Contact Amplifon (888-713-7659) for details.
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