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Do You Need Two Hearing Aids? The Power of Binaural Hearing

The power of binaural hearing

If a recent hearing test indicated hearing loss in both ears, a key question you'll face is how to address that hearing loss. The answer in most cases will be to get hearing aids for both your ears; phrased in another way, you will most likely need two hearing aids.

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The concept of "binaural hearing"—using both ears—is scientifically proven to provide a superior listening experience over using a device in just one ear.
At Amplifon, we focus on providing the most advanced, effective solutions, leveraging our trusted expertise and ongoing care to ensure your hearing correction is complete and reliable.

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Our Mission

The Amplifon mission is to transform the way hearing healthcare is perceived and experienced worldwide, changing the lives of millions of customers through the passion and superior care of our people. 

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Can you wear one hearing aid instead of two?

While it is physically possible to wear just one hearing aid, if you have hearing loss in both ears, it is not recommended.

You can wear one hearing aid if you only have hearing loss in one ear (unilateral loss) or if your hearing loss in the other ear is too severe. However, if both ears require support, wearing one hearing aid instead of two is strongly discouraged, as it reduces your brain’s ability to locate sound and filter noise.

Attempting to correct two-ear loss with only one device can lead to 'auditory deprivation' in the unaided ear, where the brain loses its ability to process sound from that side over time.

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One hearing aid versus two: the function

Binaural hearing - hearing with both ears - is essential for the brain to process sound effectively. When comparing one hearing aid versus two, the functional benefits of the second device are significant:

Noise Filtering

With One Hearing Aid: Difficult to separate speech from background noise.

With Two Hearing Aids (Binaural): Excellent ability to suppress background noise and isolate speech.

Sound Localisation

With One Hearing Aid: Poor ability to tell where a sound is coming from.

With Two Hearing Aids (Binaural): Precise ability to locate the source of sound (crucial for safety).

Listening Effort

With One Hearing Aid: High concentration needed, leading to fatigue.

With Two Hearing Aids (Binaural): Reduced strain and fatigue because the brain receives balanced input.

Clarity & Richness

With One Hearing Aid: Sound can be flat or muffled.

With Two Hearing Aids (Binaural): Richer, clearer, more balanced sound quality (stereo hearing).

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Have your hearing tested

Regular hearing health checks can also help detect hearing loss early on and prevent it from getting worse over time. Visit the Amplifon clinic nearest to you for a thorough hearing evaluation and learn more about the best ways to take care of your hearing health.

Does wearing one hearing aid affect balance?

Yes, there is a connection between balanced hearing input and your brain's processing of spatial information, which relates to balance.

Wearing one hearing aid when both ears have hearing loss can potentially affect balance and spatial awareness, as your brain relies on two balanced auditory signals to accurately perceive the location and distance of sound sources.

Accurate localisation is crucial for navigating your environment, whether you are walking through busy streets or enjoying a quiet moment in a park. Two hearing aids work together to restore that natural spatial sense.

Hearing aids to suit your needs

At Amplifon, you'll find hearing solutions that range from almost invisible styles that fit discreetly inside the ear, to those that sit snugly behind the ear. You can even select devices that connect wirelessly to your smartphone.

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When is one hearing aid recommended?

There are specific medical situations where a single device, or a specialised system, is the appropriate solution.

Unilateral Hearing Loss

If a hearing test confirms hearing loss in only one ear, you would only need one device (a hearing aid for one ear).

Single-Sided Deafness (SSD)

If you are effectively deaf in one ear, an audiologist may recommend a CROS or BiCROS system, which picks up sound from the poorer ear and wirelessly transmits it to a receiving aid worn on the better-hearing ear.

The Amplifon Way

Amplifon's hearing care professionals are happy to help you find the best hearing solution for you.

Practical questions about two hearing aids

We address common concerns about cost and accessibility in the Australian market.

Can You Buy One Hearing Aid in Australia?

Yes, you can purchase a single hearing aid in Australia, but it's important to do so with professional guidance.

Yes, you can legally buy one hearing aid in Australia, but Amplifon's certified experts will only recommend this if your hearing test results indicate a need for correction in only one ear. For bilateral loss, we guide you toward the two-device solution.

Our focus is always on a hearing aid fitting that provides the best long-term outcome, which, for bilateral loss, means two devices.

What is the Average Cost of Two Hearing Aids?

The cost of two hearing aids varies widely based on technology, features (like Bluetooth and AI), and the level of service you choose.

The average cost of two hearing aids covers a very wide range, typically depending on the technology tier (basic, mid-range, or premium). At Amplifon, we focus on providing transparent pricing and ensure our ongoing care package is always included, adding immense long-term value.

We encourage you to use our free trial to evaluate the benefits of two devices firsthand, which is the only way to truly understand their value to your life.

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Hearing technology is always evolving

We're here to be your guide, making the most advanced hearing aid technology simple, and suited to your personal needs. Our purpose is to combine superior expertise with ongoing care, so you can step into each day with confidence and joy.

Amplifon: your partner for binaural success

Amplifon's commitment to ongoing care means we guide you to the correct solution and support it for life.

Amplifon’s certified experts conduct a comprehensive hearing test and fitting to determine the precise solution you need (one or two devices), and our ongoing care includes adjustments and maintenance to ensure your binaural balance is always perfect.

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Why trust Amplifon for bilateral correction?

Our trusted expertise ensures you get the technology and the service that unlocks the full benefit of binaural hearing.

  • Free Trial Advantage: Our free hearing aid trial allows you to test the difference between one and two devices in your real-life Australian environments, completely risk-free.
  • Precision Fitting: A hearing care professional will conduct a precise hearing aid fitting, fine-tuning both devices so they work together seamlessly to give your brain the clear, balanced input it needs.
  • Lifetime Support: Our ongoing care provides adjustments and servicing, ensuring the two devices remain perfectly matched to your hearing needs as they evolve.
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Rediscover Balanced, Clear Hearing

Experience the full, rich world around you with the benefit of two perfectly calibrated hearing aids. Take the first step toward a complete solution.

Discover all the benefits of Amplifon hearing aids

Ampli-Energy Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Rechargeable
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Ampli-mini invisible hearing aids
Invisible
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