Hearing Loss in Both Ears Find Answers

You’ve determined you have hearing loss in both of your ears—but do you really need two hearing aids? Read ahead to learn the answer.

Schedule a free appointment today and begin your journey to better hearing.

man having conversation with two women
man having conversation with two women

Do I Need One or Two Hearing Aids?

If you’ve taken Beltone’s online hearing screening and consulted with a hearing care professional and confirmed that you’re experiencing some level of hearing loss, you may be ready to make a choice about your future hearing care devices. Hearing aids remain the best treatment for sensorineural hearing loss, which is typically caused by the normal aging process and/or prolonged exposure to loud noises.

This type of hearing loss almost always occurs in both ears simultaneously, which is why most experts agree that both ears should be fitted with hearing aids.

After all, you wouldn’t want to wear eyeglasses with only one lens and remain nearsighted or farsighted in one eye, would you? In most cases, that same logic can be applied to your hearing as well.

The Advantages of Wearing Two Hearing Aids

Most mammals are equipped with binaural hearing, which is our ability to hear from two ears simultaneously. Such hearing allows us to make fine judgements about sound and listen selectively to the noises around us.

That’s why it’s so important to not limit your hearing to only one ear. Consider the following benefits of wearing two hearing aids:


Localized sound – The ability to detect the direction and distance of sound can only be achieved with two ears.
Balanced hearing – Hearing with two ears will help you more accurately respond to sounds, like conversation on your left or right side.
Better speech comprehension – Balanced hearing with both ears may improve your ability to understand speech, both in background noise and in quiet situations.

Can I Ignore My Hearing Loss in Both Ears?

Hearing loss impacts much more than your ability to hear. Left untreated, hearing loss (even hearing loss in one ear only) can affect many aspects of your life, including your overall health and wellbeing.

Untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, isolation, dementia, falls and more, so seeking treatment quickly is recommended.

Click the link below to learn more about the impacts of hearing loss—and how hearing aids can help you.

audiologist using a computer

Take the Next Step

Don't wait any longer to begin your journey to better hearing. Beltone is ready to help you hear what matters the most to you.

Schedule a free hearing screening with a Beltone hearing care professional to explore your options.

Types of Hearing Loss

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss (sometimes called nerve-related hearing loss) is the most common type of hearing loss among adults.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is often temporary and can sometimes be corrected with wax removal, medication or surgery.

Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is precisely what it sounds like: a mix of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Along with exposure to loud noises, the natural aging process is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss.

Earbuds & Hearing Loss

Headphones and earbuds can induce hearing loss by isolating loud noises and placing them directly inside your sensitive ear canals.

Medication & Hearing Loss

Prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that cause either hearing loss or tinnitus symptoms are called ototoxic medications.

Meningitis & Hearing Loss

While meningitis doesn’t always result in hearing loss, people who have had meningitis are at a much higher risk.
two men sitting outside
two men sitting outside

Understanding Hearing Loss

Hearing loss—or hearing impairment—is a reduction in your ability to hear. It can happen gradually or relatively quickly. At Beltone, we want to help you understand hearing loss and find the right solution.

woman looking out of the window
woman looking out of the window

Impacts of Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia, depression, falls and other serious health conditions. It can also leave people feeling isolated and make it difficult to participate in once-loved activities. Addressing hearing loss is an important part of maintaining good health.

man holding onto his ear
man holding onto his ear

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common medical condition associated with hearing loss that is often experienced as ringing, hissing, buzzing or roaring in the ears. If you are experiencing these symptoms—intermittently or constantly—a Beltone hearing care professional can help you get relief.