Hearing loss is a progressive condition that develops gradually over time. Everyday changes to the quality of your hearing are minimal, making them both difficult to recognize and easy to ignore. It often takes several years for people to get a hearing test. In fact, according to research by Johns Hopkins, hearing aid users wait an average of 10 years before seeking help.
The longer hearing conditions go undiagnosed, the more difficult they are to treat. When hearing loss is ignored, communication becomes more difficult, leading to isolation and loneliness when relationships with loved ones decline as a result.
Many people are unaware of the broader health risks. Did you know that hearing loss and brain function are connected? Over time, the brain and ear connection is weakened when sound waves are no longer passed between them regularly. This can result in brain atrophy and cognitive decline, otherwise known as auditory deprivation.
Join us as we discuss the links between hearing and the brain and learn more about auditory deprivation and how to avoid it.
We tend to think of hearing problems as the loss of function in one or both ears rather than the effects on our brain. Hearing is very much a brain activity, however. Our ears may be where sound frequencies are detected, but what we actually hear results from the auditory nerve relaying this information to the brain via electrical impulses. In turn, our brain interprets these impulses into the various noises we recognize as sound. This process is often referred to as ‘brain hearing’ or ‘hearing in the brain’.
Auditory deprivation occurs when the normal ear and brain connection is interrupted for an extended period due to untreated hearing loss. Deprived of sound, your auditory nerves atrophy, and your brain function changes. Parts of the brain that previously regulated your hearing either shrink or switch to other processes, eventually losing the ability to process sound at all.
Once auditory deprivation has occurred, it is difficult to restore brain stimulation. To protect your brain and hearing functions, it’s vital that hearing loss is addressed early.
Avoiding or delaying hearing loss treatment is a major contributor. The longer people wait to get hearing aids, the longer the brain is deprived of stimulation. However, even those who already use hearing aids can be affected – especially if they are not following their audiologist’s advice. Examples include:
Approximately 37.5 million people in America have trouble hearing, so research into hearing loss prevention and connected brain function and mental health issues is widespread. As hearing loss is more likely as we get older, several studies focus specifically on age-related hearing loss and cognition. However, as anyone can be affected by hearing loss and auditory deprivation, everyone should know about the links between hearing and the brain.
Despite multiple studies, the connection between hearing loss and brain function is still not fully understood. We’ve already explained how decreased input to the brain can contribute to cognitive decline. However, some scientists believe this process also works in reverse, and early-onset cognitive deficits may affect our ability to process sound, ultimately resulting in hearing loss.
Whichever way around the process occurs, what we do know is that there’s a strong link between hearing loss and dementia:
In Addition, a Journal of Neurology study discovered that hearing loss in the general population is associated with lower baseline levels of cognitive function and decreased performance on memory tests. This would support previous findings in a Journal of the American Medical Association report, which discovered significant links between age-related hearing loss, brain decline, cognitive impairment, and the onset of dementia.
Hearing loss and a decrease in cognitive function may go hand-in-hand because auditory and cognitive processing occurs in the same area of the brain. If brain function decreases due to auditory deprivation, it would therefore make sense that other faculties like memory and perception suffer simultaneously.
One of the primary concerns with brain and hearing deficits is that communication skills are significantly impacted. Losing the ability to converse makes everyday tasks more challenging, and not being able to have meaningful exchanges with loved ones is painful. Often people become withdrawn when they experience hearing loss. This isolation can cause other negative impacts on overall health, including:
The good news is that early diagnosis and the fitting of hearing aids or cochlear implants can significantly improve mental health and quality of life.
It’s currently unclear how permanent brain atrophy is, although most researchers agree that recovery rates will vary from person to person. This is based on the degree of damage and how long the brain and hearing connection has been disengaged.
The brain is a flexible organ capable of many adaptations. So, once re-stimulated, it’s possible new connections may form, resulting in the ability to understand more information. These changes are unlikely to occur on their own, but experts agree that the early treatment of hearing loss with hearing aids is the best tactic to increase the chance of rehabilitation. With the consistent use of assistive devices for hearing, brain shrinkage and atrophy may slow or stop so that sound signals can be transmitted and translated once again.
“Use it or lose it” is a common phrase used by audiologists when advocating for the early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. The longer a person waits to get a consultation and treatment, the higher the chance of atrophy and the harder it will be for the brain to relearn how to process sound.
Experiencing hearing loss can be scary, but proactive measures can minimize the impacts on everyday life. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends that those under 50have a hearing screening every ten years, and over 50 take hearing tests every three years.
With so many Americans experiencing hearing loss, everyone should know how essential regular hearing screenings are – regardless of whether symptoms are already present or not. Remember that hearing loss is a gradual and invisible process, and the day-to-day changes may be so imperceptible that you just don’t notice them until it’s too late. A few telltale signs to look out for include:
The biggest challenge for audiologists is getting people to take the initiative and tackle their hearing issues early. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in America, so there is no need for people to feel stigmatized or alone. Yet, the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that all people over 70 could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three have ever used them.
Those under 70are encouraged to get regular tests too. The prevalence may be less in younger demographics, but hearing loss does exist across all age groups:
Don’t wait to get your hearing checked. If you are over 50, it’s highly recommended you book a hearing evaluation – even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong.
The best way to kick start the process is to book a consultation through our website. The sign-up process is simple. You'll be asked a few basic questions about your current hearing, age, and whether you use a hearing aid. From there, we’ll connect you with a local audiologist who will carry out a comprehensive evaluation and give you expert advice on the best hearing aids for your needs.
Book your free consultation today and start your hearing health journey with EarPros.
