We have two ears for a reason. Hearing with both ears is what nature intended; it allows the brain to process sounds naturally so we hear sounds accurately and get a sense of balance and direction. Hearing loss causes the brain to misinterpret sounds. When a hearing loss affects both ears and only one ear is amplified, the brain is only receiving half of the accurate
information.
Approximately 80 percent of those with hearing loss have hearing loss in BOTH ears. Amplifying only one ear makes it more difficult to hear in noise, understand speech and detect where sounds are coming from. Studies show that even when a hearing loss is worse in one ear, wearing two hearing instruments produces the most benefit. When the brain receives sound from both the right and left ears it makes it easier to locate the direction of sounds (called localization), important in daily situations including being able to tell from which direction traffic is coming.
The newer Digital hearing aids employ directional microphone systems, which are highly developed and intelligent systems designed to detect the source of background noise and then reduce sounds from that direction, to improve speech intelligibility (even if the sound is moving like a truck riding down the street or if there are multiple noises).
Approximately 10 percent of hearing losses may be helped medically. And the remaining 90 percent may benefit from hearing aids. Solutions well matched to individual needs are now possible.
Hearing aids can help you reestablish connections to the world. They are made to selectively increase the volume of the sounds you want to hear. They can make soft sounds audible, while at the same time making moderate or loud sounds comfortable. Hearing aids are designed to provide relief in both noisy and quiet situations. Wearing hearing aids can put you at ease during conversations and make you less likely to have to ask others to repeat themselves.
No hearing aid can solve every hearing problem or restore normal hearing, but they are designed to provide amplification so that you can hear and understand better.