Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
Latest posts by Peter Lucier, HIS (see all)
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Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age, impacting their ability to communicate effectively and enjoy daily activities. It often makes following conversations and responding to environmental sounds challenging. Addressing hearing loss begins with a thorough hearing health exam, which evaluates the extent of hearing impairment and determines an appropriate treatment plan, including the potential use of hearing aids. Hearing aids are essential devices that enhance hearing, and yes, you can have more than one hearing aid.
What is Bilateral Hearing?
Bilateral hearing simply means using both ears to hear. Our ears work together to help us understand the world around us. When both ears are working well, we can easily tell where sounds are coming from. This is especially important in social situations and when quick reactions are needed, like when driving. Using hearing aids in both ears supports this natural ability, making daily interactions easier and safer.
The Advantages of Two Hearing Aids
If you’re thinking about getting hearing aids, you might wonder if having two is better than just one. For people with hearing loss in both ears, using two hearing aids offers several benefits.
One big advantage is that it makes it easier to understand conversations, especially when there’s a lot of background noise. Imagine you’re at a family dinner or in a crowded restaurant. Those background sounds can make it hard to hear what others are saying. With two hearing aids, both work together to highlight speech while reducing the noise around you. This helps you hear more clearly, making social situations enjoyable and less stressful.
Using two hearing aids gives you a more balanced sense of hearing. Hearing loss affects each ear differently, so without both aids, the sound you hear can feel off. Wearing a hearing aid in each ear makes sounds even and natural. This makes what you hear clearer and helps your brain process sounds more easily, so listening feels less exhausting.
Prevention of Auditory Deprivation
If you leave one ear untreated, it can start to lose its ability to process sounds; this is as auditory deprivation. This happens because the brain isn’t getting sound signals from that ear, which can make it harder to manage hearing loss down the road.
Using two hearing aids helps avoid this problem. With both ears getting sound, the brain stays active and keeps its ability to process sounds sharp. Taking this proactive step is key to maintaining your hearing health and getting the most out of your hearing aids for years to come.
Long-Term Hearing Health
If one ear isn’t hearing much or any sound, it can lead to something called auditory deprivation. This means that because the brain isn’t getting enough sound from that ear, the hearing pathways might start to weaken over time.
Wearing two hearing aids is a great way to keep both ears working well. When both ears are active and get regular stimulation, it helps protect your hearing and can slow down any decline. Even if one ear is stronger than the other, using two hearing aids is a smart choice for keeping your hearing in the best shape possible.
Improved Quality of Life
Wearing two hearing aids can boost your quality of life. A lot of people who use them say they feel more connected to the world and less alone. It makes conversations easier and more comfortable, lets them enjoy activities more, and even helps with their mental health. Using two hearing aids can boost your confidence. When both ears are supported, you’re more likely to join in on social and work events that might have felt too challenging before. This added confidence can improve your emotional well-being and help you live a more enjoyable life.
Technological Advancements in Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids are packed with smart features that make using two devices even better. With Bluetooth, directional microphones, and noise reduction built-in, these aids offer a top-notch listening experience. They’re designed to adjust to different places, so you get clear, reliable sound no matter where you are. With two hearing aids that have these cool features, you can have a flexible and handy hearing solution. Phone calls can be streamed right to your ears, and the hearing aids will automatically adjust to different noise levels. It makes hearing a lot easier and more enjoyable.