Buying hearing aids

Do you need one or two hearing aids?

Last update on Apr, 12, 2023

When it comes to hearing aids, are two better than one? There are a lot of things to consider when you’re purchasing hearing aids, but one of the biggest decisions to make is whether you should buy one or two.

Why buy two hearing aids?

Everyone's hearing needs are different, so you may wonder if you need one hearing aid or two. If you’re struggling with your hearing, your doctor or audiologist may recommend hearing aids—one or two—depending on your unique hearing loss. However, when you have hearing loss in both ears two are recommended. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons and benefits for the use of two hearing aids.

Wearing hearing aids, such as Miracle-Ear hearing aids, in each ear enhances your overall hearing. This is because both devices work together to balance all the sounds around you. If you’re only wearing one hearing aid, the noise on that side will be more prominent than the noise on your unaided side, and you may start straining your “good” ear as a result. This unbalanced hearing can be especially frustrating when you’re in social settings.

Both of your ears work with both sides of your brain to process sound. However, it’s more complex than this. Some signals stay on one side of your brain while others cross over. For this reason, the hearing aid effect on the brain can either help or hinder your listening experience. Over time, wearing just one hearing aid may inhibit your brain’s ability to process sounds adequately in different situations.

Wearing only one hearing aid can potentially cause auditory deprivation. Over time, your brain does not process sound as well as it did when it could hear clearly in both ears. Often, this is the result of hearing loss that’s been left untreated, such as hearing loss in your unaided ear. The good news is that there are ways to prevent auditory deprivation, and hearing aids in both ears is the most important step.

Because both hearing aids work together to help you process sound, wearing two devices will better help you determine directional sound or localization of sound much better than wearing one. Not only is this helpful in your daily activities, but it’s also important for your safety.

Wearing two hearing aids will also help balance noises around you to sound more natural, crisp, and clear. When you first start wearing hearing aids, you’ll notice that hearing aid sound quality is far better than what you’re used to experiencing. And investing in the best sound with high-quality hearing aids can take your hearing to the next level.

When you wear only one hearing aid, you’ll need the volume louder than if you were wearing two. This is to compensate for the loss of hearing. Remember, you should really be wearing hearing aids for clarity, not volume. With devices from Miracle-Ear, hearing aid volume control is easy to adjust to your exact preference. And wearing two will provide with most clarity and balance of sound—with less volume.

When you wear two hearing aids, you utilize less power than what is needed when you use one hearing aid. This causes background noise to become less of an issue. Hearing aid technology can now help reduce background noises, as well as offering amplification and speech isolation to help you better hear the people you’re talking to in a noisy environment. One of the best background noise reduction techniques is hearing aids in both ears.

Do you experience ongoing ear ringing (tinnitus)? Talk to a hearing care professional about how hearing aids and tinnitus relief can go hand in hand. The use of hearing aids may help to reduce the constant ringing by masking over the tinnitus with white noise caused by the circuitry or amplifying other noises. By helping you hear more clearly, hearing aids can also help reduce your stress levels, which is another trigger for tinnitus.

Finally, the wearing of two hearing aids can help you better detect sound that at a longer distances. Hearing device features in both ears work together to balance sound and help you identify sounds you may not hear with only one good ear.

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When to buy one hearing aid

Hearing aids are useful depending on the degree of your hearing loss. If you’re still wondering whether one hearing aid or two is better for you, here are a few instances where only one might be more beneficial.

Though hearing loss often affects both ears to an extent, some people experience hearing loss one ear only. If you have difficulty hearing in one ear but your other ear is functioning properly, one hearing aid may be sufficient. However, consider this: When you experience vision loss in both eyes, you probably would not consider wearing a monocle. The same is true with hearing loss. Wearing one hearing aid would be similar to wearing a monocle.

It’s important to discuss your options with your hearing health care specialist and determine your best path of care.

Need help choosing between one or two hearing aids?

The hearing care professionals at your local Miracle-Ear office can conduct a free hearing test and talk through all the options that are most suitable for your situation. Book an appointment at a Miracle-Ear Hearing Aid Center to get started.

Keep in mind that if cost is a concern for you, there are solutions that can fit both your budget and your needs If finances are standing between you and the hearing aids you need, check with the Miracle-Ear Foundation to see if you're eligible to receive free hearing aids.

What Can I Do With Bluetooth Hearing Aids?

Learn about Bluetooth hearing aids! With Bluetooth® technology, your hearing aids become a gateway to a richer life.

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FAQs about whether to get one or two hearing aids

Yes, hearing aids and cochlear implants can work together. When you have a cochlear implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other, noises are balanced in a similar way to if you were wearing two hearing aids, making sounds richer and fuller.

The definition of binaural is “relating to or involving both ears.” Binaural hearing, then, means being able to hear with both ears. Read more about the benefits of binaural hearing for more information on why it’s important to get both ears checked and buy two hearing aids, if that’s what is needed to fully treat your hearing loss.

Man wearing a hearing aid with dog and granddaughter

Need help with your hearing device?

If you’re having trouble with placing your hearing aids or removing them, don’t settle for a frustrating experience. Free lifetime aftercare is part of every Miracle-Ear purchase, and your hearing care professional (HCP) is there to help you with any challenges—no matter how small. Contact your neighborhood Miracle-Ear hearing center or stop by to get the help you need.

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