Yes – hearing aids will help A LOT.
Why? Because we are meant to hear with two ears. Binaural hearing (hearing with both ears) is essential for hearing in noise, maintaining our natural perception of loudness, and it is how we effectively localise or maintain spatial awareness and feel immersed in our surroundings. So even if you feel you can “get by” with hearing loss in just one ear, there are challenges you will face that can be helped with hearing aids.
Technology designed for single-sided hearing
There are a few different solutions used for monaural hearing loss (hearing loss in one ear) depending on the specifics of the case. The key factors in determining the appropriate solution are the hearing levels and speech understanding of your ear with the hearing loss, which a hearing healthcare professional can measure and assess with a short and simple hearing test.
Sometimes the poorer ear can be helped with one hearing aid. Other times, the ear is unaidable, meaning it cannot be helped with a conventional hearing aid that makes sounds louder. In these cases, a CROS system may be appropriate. A CROS system takes sound from the poorer side and transmits it to a better ear so that sounds can be perceived from the poorer side — to give you the benefits of binaural hearing. Starkey’s Muse iQ CROS System is one such type of hearing aid.
If you have hearing loss in only one ear, you should consult a hearing healthcare professional because there is technology that can help you - all it takes is a short hearing test define the best solution for your hearing. To find a hearing professional near you who can help, call 08000 683 533 or click here. Don’t just get by — hear your best!