Binaural hearing (hearing with two ears) offers many advantages over hearing with one ear only. Listening comfort and understanding in a noisy environment are both improved when hearing is balanced in between ears. There are no “normal” animal species born with only one ear. Audiologists agree that two-sided hearing should be a priority whenever possible.
Sound localization , or the ability to detect the direction and distance of sound, can only be achieved with two ears. Being able to localize sound is important for personal safety and for communicating in a groups. It is impossible to localize the direction of a sound with only one “normal “ ear.
Speech comprehension in noise is improved with balanced hearing in both ears. Two ears are needed to separate speech from unwanted background noise and more clearly understand speech in a restaurant or party.
Increased comfort of sound and easier communication are also benefits of two-sided hearing. Balanced hearing helps you relax and enjoy hearing a full range of sound.
Improved sound quality may be provided with sound in both ears. The “spaciousness” or “high-fidelity” aspects of sound are more evident with two-sided hearing. Music will be far more enjoyable with stereo listening. With both ears providing even input, less amplification may be required to achieve a comfortable listening level.
Use it or lose it may apply to hearing. Research is now showing that when one hearing aid is worn, the deterioration of hearing may be faster in the non-aided ear compared to the aided ear. In other words, the lack of stimulation to one ear may actually allow the comprehension in that ear to further decrease.
