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.

Kenwood Hearing Center is Here to Help You through All Aspects of Hearing Loss

If you have any questions about hearing loss or hearing loss prevention, please contact us  at Kenwood Hearing Center to schedule a free hearing assessment  with one of our hearing professionals today. We are here for you, to help with all aspects of your hearing health.

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The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the client(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details.