1. Is Two Better Than One - The Benefits of Binaural
Amplification
It has been recommended that you
purchase two hearing aids, but do you
really need two? Are two really better than
one? Well, that depends, but if you have
hearing loss in both ears, this is probably
so. Wearing two aids is called “binaural
amplification”, while wearing one is called,
“monaural amplification”. Binaural
amplification has benefits, but not for
everybody.
Monaural (one ear) vs. Binaural (two ears) amplification
If you were to decide to only purchase one hearing instrument, typically that
aid is worn in the ‘better’ ear, or the ear that would best benefit from
amplification. For those with a hearing loss in both ear, binaural
amplification is known to provide the best acoustic experience.
There are several advantages to binaural amplification. Binaural
amplification results in better listening in noisy or echo-y environments,
helping understanding with competing sounds.
Eliminates the “head shadow effect”. When listening with only one “good”
ear, a listener often tends to turn the good ear closer to the sound source.
However, when listening in a large group, this is not always possible.
Therefore, the head “shadows” the sound from being received fully at the
ear furthest from the sound source. In cases where the good ear ends up
being farthest from away great difficulty may be had to hear.
Improves the signal-to-noise ratio. This means that the sound of interest is
heard louder than background noise. When listening with two ears, the
signal to noise ratio is improved by 2 to 3 dB, making the sound of interest
appear much louder than the background noise.
Austin Hearing Services, Inc
6805 N Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78731
(512) 851-0847

2. This is very important for those who are having difficulty hearing in
situations with a lot of background noise. Comprehension can be improved
drastically!
Is your hearing loss is not the same on both sides? Maybe you even have
normal hearing on one side or no hearing on one side, and just do not see
the benefit of having two hearing instruments? There are special types of
hearing aid fitting which allow for some of the benefits of binaural
amplification.
In cases where there is normal hearing in one ear and an unaidable hearing
loss in the other ear (or dead ear/no hearing) a Contralateral Routing of
Signal (CROS) hearing aid set could be appropriate. For those with a hearing
loss in one ear and an unaidable loss in the other ear, Bilateral Routing of
Signal (BICROS) hearing aids would be more appropriate. Essentially, the
CROS and BICROS configurations work by picking up sound from the poorer
ear, sending that sound on that side in addition to the sound being picked up
at the better ear.
Call a hearing healthcare professional today to learn about your options and
trial periods for your hearing aids!
Austin Hearing Services, Inc
6805 N Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78731
(512) 851-0847