Hearing In Both Ears
Hearing the world around you
Being able to hear and localize a sound source is very important for our ability to communicate as we go about our daily activities. Our ability to determine from which direction a sound is approaching is essential – for example when crossing a road with heavy traffic, or having to react to a warning call.
With both ears
A major advantage of the physical position of our ears, one on either side of the head, is that it allows us to localize sounds. Due to the distance between our ears, an individual sound reaches each ear at a slightly different moment in time and with different moment in time and with different sound pressure levels. The brain registers and processes this information, enabling us to know where an individual sound is coming from. The combination of two good ears make it easier to hear surrounding sound than with one ear alone. When both ears are functioning optimally, it is not only easier to distinguish sounds in background noise, but the intelligibility of speech, the perception of space4 and general sound quality are also improved.
Hearing Impairment
Hearing impairment affects our ability to understand speech as well as our ability to localize the sound source around us. The advances made in hearing aid technology provide us with a wealth of possibilities for maximizing the use of residual hearing with hearing aids. If there is a hearing loss in one ear only, it will often be possible to compensate for the loss by fitting this ear with a hearing aid. With a severe degree of hearing loss in one ear, it may be more difficult to obtain full directional hearing and speech intelligibility. However, a hearing aid will often provide improved perception of tonal fullness and depth. If there is a hearing loss in both ears, it is almost always an advantage to wear a hearing aid in both ears. With two hearing aids, the amount of amplification required from each individual hearing aid can be reduced in comparison to wearing only one hearing aid. This means that background noise is not so heavily amplified and the risk of feedback whistling is reduced. The use of two hearing aids enables the individual ear to hear better, as well as giving the following advantages:
- It becomes easier to hear speech in background noise
- It is easier to localize sounds
- Sound quality and tonal depth are improved
It has long been appreciated that music and speech sound better in stereo. When there is a hearing loss in both ears, it will usually be possible to utilize one’s hearing ability far better in “stereo” by wearing hearing aids. Your hearing healthcare professional may refer to this as “the advantage of binaural hearing”
Stimulating hearing
Some people think that using hearing aids might aggravate their hearing loss because they no longer have to strain to hear, or because amplification may damage their remaining hearing ability. But in fact this is not the case
The ear and the auditory pathways to the brain need to be stimulated to activate and preserve the remaining hearing ability. Today we know that the ability to hear will gradually deteriorate if our ears are not stimulated for lengthy period – a phenomenon known by audiologist as auditory deprivation.
Myths
Many people wait too long to acknowledge that they have a hearing loss and need hearing aids. One of the reasons is that there are many myths about hearing loss – for example that hearing loss is just associated withhold age.
It is important to understand that people with hearing difficulties use a lot of energy in concentrating on listening. This can sometimes lead to fatigue, a feeling of isolation and loneliness. Such feelings may adversely affect one’s quality of life and become a barrier to an otherwise active3 and productive life.
Just as exercise is good for the body, the ear also needs to be exercised.
Saying “yes” to better hearing
Most hearing impaired people will – once they become accustomed to wearing two hearing aids – experience a renewed quality of life, where they can again take part in conversations and localize and recognize many sounds that they may not have been able to hear for years.
It takes time to become used to wearing hearing aids, both because of the physical sensation of having something in the ear and also because of the renewed world of sounds reaching the ears and the brain. It is a new situation that requires both practice and patience.
Becoming used to hearing aids
For some first – time users, wearing their hearing aids becomes a normal part of adily life within a couple of weeks. The advantages of the “new” hearing ability quickly offset any physical difficulties. For others the process can take longer. Many users report that it can take up to six months to become fully accustomed to the new sensation of amplification. It is, however, important not to give up. Several hearing aid adjustments may be required before a satisfactory result is obtained. Some people choose to use only one of their hearing aids at the beginning, because they feel that their ears are blocked, or their own voice sound strange when using both hearing aids. Naturally, it is better to use one hearing aid than none at all – but it is still not the best solution. If only one hearing aid is used, the “stereo affect” that gives the ears and the brain the largest benefit is not obtained. Moreover, such “disadvantages” are usually only limited duration and will most often fade. Nature has provided us with two ears to give us the best possible hearing. Although hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, the recent advances in hearing aid technology have given us the possibility of making the most of our remaining hearing. And this works best in stereo!