Binaural Hearing Explained
Binaural hearing sounds complicated, but it just is refers to how we hear using both ears. Our binaural hearing allows us to use frequency and cues to determine the direction and origin of sounds. The importance of binaural hearing lies in how our brain processes how we hear using both ears together.
Unilateral Hearing Loss and Binaural Hearing
Most people experience unilateral hearing loss, which means that hearing loss is more profound in one ear. However, many people are puzzled when a hearing professional recommends hearing aids for both ears. The reason for this is because it helps your brain process sounds using the benefit of both ears and helps to keep binaural hearing in place. If binaural hearing is not addressed, you can experience discomfort and fatigue because your brain is having difficulty processing sounds. It is similar to the way that depth perception is lost when you can’t see out of one eye.
Benefits of Binaural Hearing
Since our ears and brain have been designed to hear using both ears there are many benefits of binaural hearing. Recent improvements in hearing aids have brought about the ability for two hearing aids to work together, the same way our ears do naturally. It may sound like a pun, but two ears really are better than one, here’s why:
- Better sound localization.
- Better perception of speech, even when there are background noises present.
- Easier listening thanks to being able to hear the way we naturally do with hearing aids.
- Improved phone conversations with hearing aids.
- More confidence in your ability to hear in all situations.
- Control over your hearing aids thanks to ear-to-ear functionality.
- Increased brain power. When sound enters your left ear, it is processed on the right side of your brain; conversely sounds that enter your right ear are processed on the left side of your brain. When your hearing aids work in conjunction, it helps your brain’s ability to process and interpret the sounds.
- Less amplification is required when you wear two hearing aids vs. one.
Hearing, Balance & Speech is Here to Help You through All Aspects of Hearing Loss
If you have any questions about aural rehabilitation or hearing loss, please contact us at Hearing, Balance & Speech to schedule a hearing assessment with one of our experienced hearing care professionals today. We are here for you, to help with all aspects of your hearing health.