Why Wear Hearing Aids in Both Ears?

By Audiologist Damla Gül Karadevren · Category: Hearing Health & Hearing Aids · Published: 3 October 2026

Short answer: For people with hearing loss in both ears, wearing two hearing aids—when an audiological assessment finds it suitable—can help with locating sounds, following conversation in noisy places and hearing in a more balanced way. This is because the brain uses the sound information from both ears together. However, two hearing aids are not automatically the right choice for everyone with hearing loss in both ears.

The right solution depends on your hearing test results, the type and degree of hearing loss, your speech discrimination scores and your daily life. In this article we explain in plain language why two hearing aids are often recommended, what the scientific evidence says and when a single hearing aid may be considered.

Why Is Wearing Hearing Aids in Both Ears Important?

If both ears have hearing loss, supporting both ears matters because the brain uses information from both ears together to locate sounds and to separate speech from background noise.

Hearing happens not only in the ears but in the brain. The brain constantly compares the sounds arriving at each ear to work out where a sound is coming from, how far away it is and which sound matters. This two-eared hearing is called binaural hearing.

A sound coming from the right reaches the right ear a tiny fraction of a second earlier, and slightly louder, than the left ear. The brain uses these small differences in timing and loudness to work out the direction of the sound. In hearing loss affecting both ears, supporting only one ear can upset the balance between the two signals reaching the brain. The aim of two hearing aids is to deliver sound adjusted to each ear's needs, helping the brain make this comparison more effectively again.

The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) also notes that two hearing aids are generally recommended for people with hearing loss in both ears, because two aids provide a more natural signal to the brain.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Two Hearing Aids?

The most commonly reported possible benefits of two hearing aids are locating sounds, understanding speech in noise, more balanced hearing and listening comfort. These benefits largely rest on the natural advantages of hearing with two ears. They are frequently reported in research and clinical guidelines, but not every user experiences them to the same degree.

They may help you locate the direction of sounds

Working out where a sound is coming from is called sound localisation. Noticing a grandchild calling from behind you, a car approaching in the street or someone saying your name in a crowd all depend on this ability. When sound is heard clearly through only one ear, the brain cannot use the differences between the ears, and judging direction can become harder. In a multi-centre study, people using two hearing aids reported more benefit in localising sounds than those using one (Boymans et al., 2008).

They may make it easier to understand speech in noisy places

The difficulty people with hearing loss mention most often is understanding speech in noise—for example, clattering plates while listening to someone across a restaurant table, several relatives talking at once at a family gathering, or traffic noise on a busy street.

When both ears work together, the brain can use information from both sides to separate speech from background noise. The head also blocks part of the sound coming from the opposite side; if the speaker is on the side away from the noise, the ear on that side picks up speech more clearly. With one hearing aid, that side may be the unaided ear. The NICE guideline states that two hearing aids can help with understanding speech in background noise.

They may provide more balanced hearing

When someone with hearing loss in both ears uses one hearing aid, sounds may seem strong on one side and weak on the other. Some people describe this as sound "piling up on one side". Two hearing aids can help sound be perceived evenly from both sides, giving a more natural and complete sense of hearing.

In that situation, most of the daily listening load also falls on the aided side. Some research has shown that in people fitted with a hearing aid in only one ear for a long time, speech discrimination in the unaided ear may decline over time. This is called auditory deprivation (Silman et al., 1984). However, studies on this topic are limited, and the findings should not be assumed to apply to everyone.

They may make it easier to follow conversations

In places where several people are talking, both sound direction and clarity matter for finding who is speaking and following the flow of conversation. Two hearing aids can help you find the speaker more quickly and join in more easily. This difference may be felt more clearly in group settings such as family gatherings and work meetings.

They may improve listening comfort

A sound heard with both ears is perceived as slightly louder than the same sound heard with one ear. For this reason, with two hearing aids each device may be set with less gain (amplification). For some users this can mean a softer, more natural sound quality. On the other hand, the same study found that people using two hearing aids reported more discomfort with loud sounds (Boymans et al., 2008), which is why correct fitting is important.

They may help the brain use information from both ears together

Binaural processing is the brain combining and comparing the sounds from both ears to create a single, meaningful hearing experience. You can compare it to seeing with two eyes: each eye sees on its own, but depth is perceived by both eyes together. Similarly, the direction and distance of a sound, and separating it from noise, depend largely on both ears working together. Two hearing aids aim to support the two-sided sound that this processing needs.

One Hearing Aid or Two?

In hearing loss affecting both ears, two hearing aids can increase the chance of benefiting from the advantages of two-eared hearing. Even so, the scientific evidence does not show conclusively that two hearing aids are better for everyone.

This comparison is for general information. Hearing aid selection should be made individually, based on an audiological assessment.

What does the evidence say? Although scientific studies show some advantages of wearing two hearing aids, user preferences and individual benefit can vary from person to person. For example, in a multi-centre study, people using two hearing aids reported more benefit in localising sounds and understanding speech in reverberant settings (Boymans et al., 2008). On the other hand, a Cochrane review of randomised studies reported that the available evidence does not allow a firm conclusion about whether people prefer one hearing aid or two (Schilder et al., 2017). In a study of adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss in both ears, roughly half of the participants preferred two hearing aids and nearly half preferred one (Cox et al., 2011).

These results do not mean that two hearing aids are better for everyone, or that one is. They show that the decision should be made individually and, where possible, supported by a trial period.

Does Every Hearing Loss Need Two Hearing Aids?

No. Two hearing aids are a frequently recommended option when both ears have hearing loss at a level that can benefit from amplification, but they are not automatically the right choice in every case.

Two hearing aids may generally be more suitable for people who:

• have hearing loss in both ears at a level that hearing aids can support,
• have reasonable speech discrimination in both ears,
• do not have a very large difference between their ears,
• struggle in noisy places, in group conversations or with locating sounds.

In the following situations, a different plan may be needed:

• Hearing loss in one ear only, or a marked difference between the ears: in this case, one hearing aid or other solutions such as CROS/BiCROS may be considered. The cause of a marked difference between the ears should be investigated by an ENT doctor.
• Very poor speech discrimination in one ear: if speech does not become clearer even when sound is amplified, a hearing aid in that ear may not provide the expected benefit.
• Specific medical or audiological conditions: ear discharge, ear canal problems, some middle ear conditions or sudden hearing loss first require a medical assessment.

For people who started with one hearing aid, whether a second device would help can be reassessed at follow-up appointments. The final decision should be made after an ENT examination and a full audiological assessment.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Two Hearing Aids?

The adjustment period varies from person to person; it can take from a few days to a few weeks, sometimes longer. For most people it is a manageable process, but the brain may need time to adapt to the new sound environment.

In the first days, the hum of the fridge, rustling paper, footsteps or your own voice may sound different or louder than you are used to. These sounds were always there; they simply had not been heard for a while because of the hearing loss. Over time, the brain relearns how to bring important sounds forward and pay less attention to background sounds.

• Starting in quiet settings and gradually increasing wearing time can help.
• Noting sounds that bother you and situations you find difficult makes it easier to personalise the settings at your follow-up appointment.
• Wearing the hearing aids regularly supports the brain's adjustment.

We also cover how hearing aids help in daily life in our article on the benefits of using hearing aids.

How Do Two Hearing Aids Work Together?

In many current hearing aids, depending on the model and technology level, the right and left devices can communicate with each other wirelessly.

• Synchronised settings: a volume or programme change made on one device can be applied to the other.
• Directional microphones: the devices can try to focus on speech in front and reduce noise from the sides and behind.
• Shared sound processing: some models analyse the surrounding sound from both sides together and adjust settings automatically.
• Wireless connectivity: phone calls, TV or music can be streamed to both devices together.

Which of these features are available depends on the device model. You can explore different technology levels on our hearing aid types and models page.

Why Is an Audiological Assessment Important When Choosing Hearing Aids?

Whether to use one or two hearing aids, which device is suitable and how it should be set can only be determined from a person's hearing test results and everyday needs. The main points considered in an audiological assessment are:

• Up-to-date audiometry: the decision should be based on a recent hearing test.
• Type and degree of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural or mixed loss, and mild, moderate, severe or profound loss may need different solutions.
• Speech discrimination scores: these show how clearly each ear can understand speech and play an important role in the two-hearing-aid decision.
• Daily life and social settings: a quiet life at home and a busy workplace create different needs.
• Technology level of the device: noise management, wireless communication and charging features vary by model.
• Choosing the right earmould or dome: this affects sound quality, comfort and how your own voice sounds.
• Professional fitting: the device needs to be adjusted to your audiogram and ear anatomy.
• Real-ear measurement (REM): where available, it helps verify the fitting by measuring whether the device actually delivers the intended sound in your ear canal.
• Regular check-ups and fine-tuning: needs can change over time, so periodic check-ups are important.

For a more detailed checklist, see our article on what to consider when buying a hearing aid. Our advice on protecting hearing aids from moisture and water can also help you get the most from your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it essential to wear hearing aids in both ears?

No, it is not essential. Two hearing aids are generally the recommended option for people whose hearing loss in both ears is at a level that can benefit from amplification. However, if the hearing loss is in one ear only, if there is a marked difference between the ears, or if speech understanding in one ear is very poor, a different solution may be more suitable. The decision is based on an audiological assessment.

What is the difference between one hearing aid and two?

With one hearing aid, the brain receives part of the sound through an amplified ear and part through an ear that hears poorly. With two hearing aids, both ears receive sound adjusted to their needs. This can make it easier to locate sounds, follow speech in noise and hear sound in a balanced way. Some users, however, find a single hearing aid more comfortable.

Is it hard to get used to two hearing aids?

Most people do not find it particularly difficult, but in the first days your own voice, footsteps or kitchen noise may sound loud or different. This is a natural part of the brain adjusting to sounds it is hearing again. Gradual use and fine-tuning at follow-up appointments usually make the process easier.

Do the two hearing aids work at the same time?

Yes, both hearing aids are worn and used at the same time. In many current models the right and left devices can communicate wirelessly; a volume or programme change can be applied to both sides together, and some models assess the surrounding sound from both sides. These features depend on the model and technology level.

If one ear hears better than the other, do I need two hearing aids?

It depends. If both ears have hearing loss and the difference between them is not very large, two hearing aids may still be suitable; each device is adjusted to its own ear. If the difference is very large or the poorer ear cannot benefit from a hearing aid, systems such as CROS/BiCROS or other options may be considered. An ENT examination and a full hearing test come first.

Do two hearing aids help you hear better in noisy places?

They can, but this cannot be guaranteed. In research, people using two hearing aids have generally reported more benefit in understanding speech in noisy and reverberant settings. Even so, a busy restaurant may remain challenging for everyone. The result depends on the degree of hearing loss, the device settings and the environment itself.

How should a hearing aid be chosen?

The choice starts with an up-to-date hearing test. The type and degree of hearing loss, speech discrimination scores, ear anatomy, everyday listening environments and personal expectations are considered together. The device is then fitted individually, verified with real-ear measurement (REM) where possible, and fine-tuned at regular check-ups.

Does SGK contribute toward the cost of two hearing aids?

When hearing aids for both ears are medically indicated and the required health board report, prescription and current SGK conditions are met, SGK may contribute toward the cost of both hearing aids. The reimbursement amount can vary depending on age, insurance status and the current Turkish Health Implementation Communiqué (SUT). The current SGK and MEDULA records should be checked for the exact amount.

Find Out Which Option Is Right for You

Whether one or two hearing aids are right for you is decided by assessing the type and degree of your hearing loss and your speech discrimination results.

To find out more about hearing assessments and hearing aid fitting in and around Dalaman, Ortaca, Köyceğiz and Fethiye, you can contact Dalaman Hearing Aids Sales and Fitting Centre.

Wishing you days full of healthy, clear sounds!
Audiologist Damla Gül Karadevren