Hearing as Nature Intended

All mammals possess two ears, both of which help them survive and watch out for dangers and enemies. Similarly, we humans need two ears to live and survive in a bustling community, where one needs to be able to hear cars and trucks, and to understand conservations happening around us. In short, hearing with both ears can mean the difference between just hearing and truly understanding what is being said. Have you recently seen anyone wearing one-lens glasses? Of course, you have not. Monocles have become relics, abandoned long ago since we discovered that looking through bifocals is not only better, but also prevents deviation. Similarly, hearing is improved when both ears are used, especially for those suffering from binaural hearing impairment. Binaural hearing provides us with maximum protection and improved clarity of speech because it enhances the sound center. The ability to determine the sound center relies on a balancing act in both ears. How do we know when a car is approaching? The ear closest to or in the direction of the sound source captures the signal nanoseconds faster than the other ear, and at a higher density and volume. This difference in the time it takes for the signals to arrive at the brain from both ears allows us to make the fateful decision to beware of a car or move out of its path. If one ear is weaker than the other, then the information received is inadequate and can lead to an inability to concentrate or give a rapid response to the source of a sound. The ability to understand speech in noisy places listening with two ears enhances our ability to understand speech in noisy places. Inefficiencies in either ear can pose a problem when a person is in a noisy place. Using one hearing aid works in a quiet environment, but is insufficient in noisy places. If a person is in a situation where more than person is speaking, for example at a family gathering or when spending time with friends or colleagues, understanding speech becomes increasingly difficult. However, when using two hearing aids, comprehending speech becomes an easier feat. Hearing at a lower volume it turns out that the volume of sound heard through two ears is higher and denser than that heard through one ear. This means that a person using two hearing aids can control the instruments’ volume in a way that helps him/her hear speech better, even in noisy settings. Listening in a balanced and equal way from both sides using two hearing aids can give you the confidence and comfort to listen to speech from both the right and left side. Quality of sound people who wear two hearing aids benefit from:

• A more natural sound.
• Relief from having to exert too much effort to hear.
• An increased ability to listen well and answer accurately.

Situation	Listening With One Ear	Listening With Two Ears
Full surroundings	Almost good	Very good
Chatty	Very weak	Good, as needed
Loud sounds such as at  the railway station	Very weak	Difficult, even with two hearing aids
Tone with a subtle, unrecognizable difference	Limited	Good
Sound quality	Weak	Good
Recognizing the source or direction of sound	Not possible	Possible

Most people who suffer from binaural hearing impairment can benefit from using two hearing aids. Scientific and technological research, as well as personal experiences, have proven that using two hearing aids not only offers results that are closer to natural hearing, but is also better for the person wearing the hearing instrument. The benefits of using two hearing aids are not limited to people who suffer from a severe hearing impairment. Even those with a mild or moderate case of hearing impairment will experience better results.

Note:

• There are a few cases in which using two hearing aids may be unsuitable. An audiologist can
• identify such cases and provide assistance and counseling