Binaural hearing aids

The power of two connecting devices

Hearing aids have been around for a long time. The earliest devices were monaural (involving one ear only), so someone wearing a device in each ear wouldn’t get an excellent overall sound. Modern hearing systems are binaural and, similar to natural hearing, it connects the two aids to produce a surround-sound experience. Remember that hearing aids are medical devices and that people with bilateral hearing loss will require aids in both ears.

More than natural

If you struggle to hear well in restaurants or crowded places, we can change that with the help of a binaural hearing system. Because it receives signals from both ears, the brain’s auditory centre filters speech from sound and removes background noise. This way, it can significantly improve speech intelligibility in acoustically demanding situations.

Directional microphones

The direction of the microphone corresponds with the hearing aid wearer’s line of sight. If you’re sitting at a computer and want to speak with someone behind you, older hearing systems won’t be useful. Modern binaural hearing aids are, however, able to rotate the microphones in the direction from which the speech signal originates, allowing you to have conversations without having to make eye contact.

Localisation

Problem-free directional hearing requires two healthy ears. The auditory centre detects the slightest differences between incoming signals from the left and right ear and allocates incoming sound signals to a position in the room (the head shadow effect). Binaural hearing aids enable you to judge direction. Hearing loss affects a person’s balance, which is why it’s essential to wear devices in both ears.

First-time wearers

Hearing all the sounds you previously missed out on can overwhelm you, which is why many first-time users feel more comfortable wearing one hearing aid. But while it can take some time to get used to, audiologists recommend that those with hearing loss in both ears start with two devices right away.

The cost

Some devices are fit with Premium technology, offers smartphone connectivity, masks tinnitus and are so small they’re nearly impossible to detect. These devices do so much more than just amplify sound and therefore come with a higher price tag. But because of their success, there are many models available in different price categories, giving you more choice.