Are Two Hearing Aids Better Than One?

Bilateral hearing loss refers to a person who has lost his or her hearing in both ears. Unilateral hearing loss is hearing loss that has affected someone in one ear. Each is equally as horrible as the other as it definitely affects the quality of a person's life. It affects a person's relationships with their peers and with their family. As terrible as the diagnosis is, it is not the end of the world though the person diagnosed may feel like it is. They may feel like less of a person if they can’t hear, though that is not at all true. They may also be in denial and refuse treatment or hearing aids to assist them. Most people will give in and eventually accept at least one hearing aid. This is good, but we eventually have to ask the question, "Are two hearing aids better than one?" Is it more beneficial for a person to wear two hearing aids even if they only have unilateral hearing loss? A person might think because they're only affected in one ear or even both ears, that a hearing aid doesn't do much more than enhance their hearing. There are new studies showing that this is entirely untrue. A hearing aid does a lot more than just help a person hear.

New studies are showing that having a hearing aid actually slows cognitive decline. How does this work? It is now believed that when a person's hearing goes, their brain goes into sort of a reorganization mode. It starts looking at what it is operating and the part of the brain's wires and connections that helped a person to hear is not being used anymore. The brain will basically shut that side down since it thinks it is not of use and start overcompensating for other parts of the brain such as vision or taste. This leads to a decline in brain function similar to dementia. If a person, however, loses their hearing and compensates for the loss with a hearing aid, the brain still operates the same. The part of the brain responsible for hearing will continue to function, just with the use of a hearing aid instead. Imagine if a person wears one hearing aid when they have hearing loss in both ears. It is helpful, but eventually the other side of the brain will start declining or completely shutting down if not in use.

This study is fairly new, so a lot of people are still ignorant to the facts. They wear one hearing aid because they think it's enough. They don't know that two hearing aids will keep both sides of the brain active, healthy, and functioning. It is important for a person to seek treatment as soon as possible if they even they have the slightest suspicion that unilateral or bilateral hearing loss is setting in. The sooner a person is able to talk to a doctor and get a full diagnosis, the sooner a treatment can be given. The doctor may suggest anything from hearing aids to medication to full-on surgery depending on the complexity of the problem. The good news is a person doesn't necessarily need a prescription for hearing aids. Anyone can go online and choose the brand of hearing aids they prefer. They may also be more low-cost if purchased this way.

It is important for loved ones to encourage the person in their life who has been diagnosed with hearing loss to purchase a and share with them the facts about cognitive decline and the benefits that come with wearing two instead of one. For one, their quality of their hearing will increase exponentially. They won't find themselves yelling across the room or asking others to repeat what they've said over and over. They will be able to live life almost just as normally as they did before. It is important to reiterate that part to them. Understand that it may be hard for people that have just been diagnosed with hearing loss to accept any statistical facts or knowledge. Have patience with these people and encourage them as much as possible to consider hearing aids as a solution when they are ready. It will ultimately help them in the long run and they will be able to get back to living their normal life that much quicker.