Have you ever wondered why we have two ears, two eyes, two legs and so on? Not really, we take all these for granted. There is very sound logic in having two organs or limbs. These organs perform in pairs. The efficiency of two organs performing is higher than a single performing organ. It brings us to the basic question. Should we use one Hearing Aid machine or two? Are two hearing aid machines better than one? Are you buying hearing aid machines for the first time? If so, it is advisable that you should know what to expect at your first Hearing aid machine fitting session.
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Do I Need Two Hearing Aid Machines?
Your Audiologist is the best judge to decide. Your Audiogram report indicates the Hearing loss in each ear. If both your ears have a Hearing loss, then it is advisable to use two hearing aid machines. Two hearing aids are also known as Binaural Hearing Aids. Majority of the people suffer from Sensorineural Hearing loss. Hearing Impairment due to Sensorineural hearing loss is generally in both ears. Hearing loss in both ears is also known as Bilateral Hearing Loss.
Why Two Hearing Aid Machines Are Better Than One?
Let us find out why two hearing aid machines are better than one. As mentioned earlier, some of our organs work in pairs. Our ear is one such organ. To understand better read How does my Ear Work. Mentioned below are some of the advantages of using two Hearing aid machines. Or binaural hearing aid fitting.
For some people. Hearing aid price could be a reason for not using two Hearing aid machines. Every brand offers a wide range of hearing aid machines at affordable prices. These hearing aids too have suitable features which are helpful for a normal lifestyle. Select a Hearing aid machine which suits your lifestyle and needs.
Problems in Using One Hearing Aid Machine
1. Localisation or Source of Sound
Localisation or source of sound gives us a sense of direction. We know the direction from where the sound is coming. As a simple reflex, we turn towards the source. Or towards the person talking or a car honking. The sound picked up by both the ears is simultaneously send to our brain for processing. The brain processes the signals received from the left and the right ear. After processing both the signals it informs us of the direction of the sound. Or from which direction the sound originated. We automatically turn towards the direction of the sound.
How Does The Brain Judge The Direction of Sound?
The brain calculates the time difference to judge the direction of the sound. If the sound signal reaches both the ears at the same time, the source of sound is in the centre. If the sound signal reaches the left ear first, then the source of sound is towards the left.
So, is it right to use only one hearing aid machine? The answer is a big no. Nature has given us a binaural hearing system. A person using only one hearing aid machine will not know the direction of the sound.
The following problems may occur if the localisation or source of sound is not clear.
i. It can be dangerous when the car honks and we look in the wrong direction. Two hearing aid machines are necessary for safety.
ii. Someone calls out to us and we look in the wrong direction.
iii. We are not sure who is speaking during office meetings and group discussion.
Binaural Hearing Communication
Our Brain coordinates the signals from the left and the right ear. Manufacturers also provide this facility in Hearing aid machines. This is a feature called Binaural hearing Communication. Read in detail about this feature. And other features available in advanced Digital Hearing Aid machines.
2. Reducing Background Noise
Background noise reduction is also a reason why two hearing aid machines are better than one. The biggest challenge for the manufacturers is reducing the background noise. The hearing aid machine amplifies the noise along with the speech signal. Advanced digital hearing aid machines have excellent noise reduction features. Background noise reduction works much better if the person is using two hearing aids.
when we use two hearing aid machines, each hearing aid is set at a lower volume setting. Lower volume setting results in lower noise levels.
3. Less Distortion
In the case of two hearing aid machines, the volume setting of each hearing can be set low. This results in better speech quality and higher clarity of sound. In the case of one hearing aid machine use, a higher volume has to be set.
4. Smaller or Invisible Hearing Aid Machines
Everyone wants a small Hearing aid machine which is not visible to others. High powered hearing aid machines are big in size. Parts like the receiver and the complete circuit are big so they deliver high output. The battery size also increases to meet the demand of high amplification. This increases the overall size of the Hearing aid machine. Hearing aid machines delivering lower output are generally smaller in size. One can select a smaller size hearing aid machine in case of binaural hearing aid fitting. .A single hearing aid machine user will need a bigger size machine.
5. Head Shadow Effect
If we are using a hearing aid machine in the left ear and someone calls from the right. Our head interferes with the sound. The sound has to travel around the head to reach the ear with the hearing aid machine. There is a loss of clarity. This is the head shadow effect.
6. Auditory Deprivation
Exercising regularly keeps us fit and healthy. Similarly, our hearing system also needs exercise to stay fit. If we use only one Hearing aid machine, the other ear does not get the required stimulation. The hearing loss increases much rapidly in the ear without a Hearing aid machine. This is Auditory Deprivation.
7. Increase in Stress
Straining to catch a conversation results in increased stress. Increased stress causes tiredness and fatigue. Increased stress leads to other medical issues in people with hypertension and diabetes.
When is it OK to Use One Hearing Aid Machine?
There are certain conditions where one hearing aid use is acceptable.
- Some people may have a Mild or Moderate Hearing loss in one ear. The other ear can be normal. In this case, a person can use one hearing aid.
- In cases where one has lost total hearing in one ear. One ear can have 100% loss due to an accident. In this case, a hearing aid machine in the ear with total loss cannot help. In this case, a Hearing aid machine in the other ear is advisable.
Use of a Hearing aid machine is advisable even in case of Mild hearing loss. Use of two hearing aid machines makes the sound very close to natural hearing.
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