We don't hear in our ears. Does that surprise you? We actually "hear" in our brain, which processes the inputs from our two ears. It is important for the brain to receive equal input form both ears to correctly interpret sounds. It is not possible for the brain to do a quality job with uneven input signals from our two ears. Even if a hearing loss is mild, binaural hearing aids (one in each ear) will provide valuable and significant improvement.
Sound localization is dependent on balanced hearing from both of our ears. All mammals, including humans, use localization to find food when hunting, find mates and avoid danger. For instance, when we step out into a street and hear a car approaching, nature tells us from which direction. Here's how...the sound of an approaching car reaches the closer ear slightly before the farther ear, and the sound intensity is also higher in the closer ear. The tiny differences in the signals that the two ears transmit to the brain enables us to determine the location of the car, a potential life saving ability.
Understanding speech in noisy places is another important benefit of balanced hearing. With equal hearing from both ears the brain can more effectively squelch background noise so that we can understand speech better. When surrounded with a myriad of sounds, hearing with both ears enables us to better select the message we wish to hear.
Stereo sound is another benefit which accrues as a result of balanced hearing. A fuller, richer, more natural and complete sound quality is experienced with stereophonic sound as compared to monophonic sound. The same holds true with binaural hearing (balanced) as compared to monaural hearing (one ear). With both ears in a balanced state less volume is required to achieve a comfortable listening level in most situations. Hearing equally from both sides also means you will be capable of responding accurately and confidently whether conversation comes from the right or left side.
We don't hear in our ears. Does that surprise you? We actually "hear" in our brain, which processes the inputs from our two ears. It is important for the brain to receive equal input form both ears to correctly interpret sounds. It is not possible for the brain to do a quality job with uneven input signals from our two ears. Even if a hearing loss is mild, binaural hearing aids (one in each ear) will provide valuable and significant improvement.
10 Advantages of Binaural Hearing
Safety - When a person hears with only one ear, the difficulty in locating sound can be dangerous, especially in traffic.
Improved Understanding - Binaural hearing helps you sort out and understand individual voices.
Wider Hearing Range - A voice barely heard at 10 feet with one ear can be heard up to 40 feet away with two ears.
Restful Listening - Listening with only one ear is physically tiring and stressful.
Both Ears Stay Active - When a bilaterally hearing impaired person wears a hearing aid on only one ear, the unused ear tends to lose its' ability to hear and understand. The loss of the ability to hear and understand in the uncorrected ear may become permanent if not corrected in time.
Cushions Loud Sounds - Sudden loud sounds lose much of their jarring effect when divided between both ears.
Better Sound Identification - Many noises which sound almost exactly alike when heard with one ear can be identified more easily when heard with two ears.
Smoother Tone Quality - Binaural hearing generally requires less volume, giving a natural sound to voices and music
Hearing From Both Sides - As nature intended, hearing with two ears allows you to enjoy a more normal social life.
Hear With Less Volume - Hear more quietly with less background interference.
M.Ed., CCC/A,
received her 
Dr. Kenneth H. Johns A.uD., FAAA, completed his doctorate at A.T. Still University in Meza, Arizona. 
