Hearing loss doesn’t just make it difficult to understand sounds. Over time, it can actually change the structure and function of your brain.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt by forming new neural connections throughout life. These connections can be in response to:
- Receiving new information
- Sensory stimulation
- Damage or disease to certain parts of the brain
- Changes in environment.
How Hearing Loss Changes Your Brain
When you have hearing loss, your brain misses out on sounds you were once able to hear. Because of this, the areas of the brain that process these sounds end up not getting the stimulation they need.
As a result, those parts of the brain may shrink or be recruited by other areas of the brain that are responsible for vision and touch.
Isolation can also play a role. People who struggle to hear often begin avoiding social activities. It can be exhausting trying to follow conversations or understand what is going on. Hearing loss can make enjoyable activities, like going out to dinner at Norton’s Restaurant feel overwhelming instead.
When you avoid engaging with others it deprives your brain of even more stimulation. This deprivation can accelerate cognitive decline.
Hearing Aids Can Help Your Brain
A 2020 study looked at the cognitive function of 28 adults with mild to moderate age-related hearing loss against 13 adults with normal hearing.
The baseline exam showed that participants with hearing loss had evidence of recruitment during a visual processing task. They also had poorer speech perception and worse cognitive function than those with normal hearing.
The patients with hearing loss were then given hearing aids to wear for six months before being evaluated again.
After six months of regular hearing aid use, these participants exhibited:
- A reversal of recruitment
- Better speech perception
- Improved cognitive performance
Schedule a Hearing Test to Protect Your Cognitive Health
If you’ve noticed that you’re struggling to follow conversations or asking people to repeat themselves often, make an appointment for a hearing test. Hearing loss is almost always progressive. Left untreated it can lead to worsening physical, mental and cognitive health.
Hearing tests are quick, painless and offer same-day insight into the type and severity of your hearing loss. The sooner you are diagnosed the sooner you can be treated with hearing aids. This will help prevent further hearing loss and may even protect your brain.
If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, contact North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.