Binaural Hearing
Pronunciation: by-NAIR-uh-l
The processing of sound using input from both ears simultaneously, enabling localisation of sound sources and improved speech perception in noise.
Full Definition
Binaural hearing refers to the auditory system's ability to integrate signals received by both ears to determine the direction and distance of sound sources, a process known as localisation. The interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) are the primary acoustic cues exploited in binaural processing. In aural rehabilitation contexts, restoring or approximating binaural input—through bilateral hearing aids or cochlear implants—is a primary clinical goal. Editors should take care not to confuse 'binaural' (two ears) with 'bilateral' (pertaining to both sides); while often used interchangeably in lay writing, they carry distinct meanings in clinical audiology. The term is always hyphenated when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'binaural-hearing advantage').
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'binaural' as a loose synonym for 'bilateral' in clinical documents; the former is a perceptual/acoustic descriptor, the latter an anatomical one. Hyphenate only when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "Restoration of binaural hearing through bilateral cochlear implantation was noted as the long-term rehabilitation goal." — Surgical candidacy evaluation report
- "The patient reported significant improvement in binaural hearing after the second hearing aid was fitted." — Hearing aid outcome questionnaire analysis