(Nature Has a Way With Two) Like two legs, two wings, and two eyes, nature has equipped the animal kingdom with a balanced pair of ears for reasons very important to their existence. Many species depend on two ears to locate prey, adversaries, even mates. And without two ears working evenly, their survival would be in doubt.

(Now That's What I Call Using Your Head) Although our ears are certainly vital, our sense of "hearing" actually occurs in between. Taking the in/out from both ears, the 'built-in signal processor' known as our brain blends these signals into a single sound "picture".
(An Important Balancing Act) To enjoy true balanced sound perception, BOTH ears must be functioning evenly. Without such equality, our brain presents us with incomplete information. To prevent this, your hearing professional may recommend you wear two hearing aids.

(Localization: A Matter of Survival) Correcting this difference can be important to your safety. Balancing hearing is vital to our ability to locate where a sound is coming from. Our brain instinctively locates a sound source by measuring the tiny differences in duration and intensity between each ear. When crossing the street, the sound of an approaching car reaches the closer ear slightly before the other ear, and at a higher intensity. These differences are translated by the brain, allowing us to recognize the car's location.

(Cut Out All That Noise) One of the nice things about balanced hearing is what you DON'T have to hear. Our two ears working together give us the ability to "cut through" or isolate one specific sound over others. With two inputs, the brain can select a specific sound and concentrate on it. So, depending on your hearing loss, you may not have to work as hard to hear effectively in certain areas.

(Stereo Hearing: The More Natural Way) Remember the first time you heard music in stereo? Remember how full and realistic the sound seemed when compared to monaural? That smoother, more natural sound quality is more apparent when both ears are working evenly. The realistic sound of stereo hearing can help you respond more accurately and confidently regardless of where or when conversations occur.

(Relaxing, Stress-Less Hearing) With both ears providing even input, less amplification may be required to achieve a comfortable listening level. And you don't need to worry about always getting your 'good ear' turned towards sounds. With all the additional benefits, you may actually find balanced hearing to be less stressful.

Don't Put It Off Any Longer Your hearing professional can determine by electronic evaluation if you can be helped by wearing one aid, better hearing with BOTH ears can offer you fuller, more enriching sound experience.

10 Common Myths and 10 Surprising Facts About Hearing Loss

1. Myth: Only a few people are truly hearing-impaired and chances are, neither I nor those close to me are affected.
Fact: The odds are that you or someone close to you has some degree of hearing impairment. In fact, it has been estimated that 20 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing impairment.

2. Myth: If I had a hearing-impairment, I certainly would know about it.
Fact: Not necessarily. Often an impairment develops slowly and subtly. Our own built-in defenses may make it difficult for us to determine when this is happening. A simple hearing test would determine if an impairment exists.

3. Myth: Will hearing aids restore my hearing to normal?
Fact: Hearing aids are designed to aid a person's hearing. Hearing aids cannot restore human hearing nor can they retard the progression of nerve deafness. They are only part of hearing rehabilitation and may need to be supplemented by auditory training.

4. Myth: Will my hearing aids help in the presence of distracting background noise?
Fact: Understanding, especially in a noisy environment, will vary depending on each individual's hearing loss. Overall benefit may depend on proper fit, frequency of use, auditory rehabilitation, the severity of hearing loss, and on the accuracy of the hearing evaluation.

5. Myth: When someone is hearing impaired, that just means that sounds are not loud enough.
Fact: That's just part of it. Perhaps that person may have trouble hearing in crowds or in group conversations. Perhaps they hear but don't always understand what's being said. Words may seem to be mumbled or just run together. These are but a few of the symptoms.

6. Myth: Hearing aids are large and unsightly. Most people therefore don't want to wear them.
Fact: Most people aren't aware of the latest technological advances that have been made in hearing aids. For many, "in-the-ear" hearing aids exist and these aids are amazingly small and discreet. They're so technically advanced that they've made most old-fashioned hearing aids obsolete.

7. Myth: Wearing a hearing aid is a sign that you're getting old.
Fact: Although hearing impairments are common in older adults, many middle age and younger people are affected as well. There are many determining factors beyond just age. Remember, a hearing loss is more noticeable than a hearing aid.

8. Myth: I've heard that my type of hearing loss can't be helped.
Fact: In most cases, nerve deafness can be helped through amplification. Now there is hope for those who have been told they couldn't be helped.

9. Myth: It's too expensive to get a really good hearing aid.
Fact: The very best hearing aids available are well within the reach of most people. Any way you look at it, a hearing aid could be the best investment you can make.