Your brain is missing out on essential stimuli if you live with untreated hearing loss. Research indicates reduced hearing stimulation alters brain function. The brain will naturally rework your auditory cortex if it’s not being used, and that may cause cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing Loss Changes the Shape of Your Brain
The nerves in your inner ear no longer send signals to your brain when you lose your hearing, causing the tissues in the auditory cortex to waste away. Atrophy of functional brain pathways can negatively impact your hearing ability and speech comprehension.
During that change, your brain will begin cross-modal cortical reorganization and readjust its capabilities to compensate for the lack of sound stimulation.
How Hearing Loss Affects Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to adapt to cognitive changes. Our brains continue to grow throughout our lives, and neuroplasticity gives your brain the flexibility it needs to develop.
So, if you experience hearing loss, neuroplasticity will reshape the brain’s auditory cortex for other functions, such as visual interpretation. Have you noticed you’ve become an avid lip-reader? That’s because your brain is adjusting itself and committing more energy to visual interpretation.
Hearing Loss Causes Cognitive Decline
If you have hearing loss, you may face an accelerated rate of cognitive decline because your condition affects speech comprehension. Other areas of your brain will attempt to devote energy to interpreting sound, so their higher functions get neglected.
People with hearing loss often avoid social situations and struggle to understand conversations or fear embarrassment. That hesitation cuts into your social life, making conversations difficult and negatively impacting relationships. You may experience social isolation and become more susceptible to depression and dementia.
Hearing aids promote healthy hearing and positive relationships, so you won’t have to worry about asking others to repeat themselves.
Protect Your Brain
Studies show hearing aid use may reduce the progression of cognitive decline in older adults.
Hearing aids reintroduce sound stimulation to the auditory cortex. It’s essential to regularly wear your hearing aids because it takes time for your brain to interpret sounds you’ve been missing. Luckily, neuroplasticity goes both ways so your brain can relearn sounds.
Come to Audio Help Hearing Centers
Our expert team of audiologists will provide you with a comprehensive hearing evaluation and discuss hearing loss treatment options. We consider your lifestyle and medical needs before prescribing hearing devices. You may also take advantage of our free, two-week trial period so you can decide if your hearing aids suit your requirements.
Find your unique, customized hearing aids at Audio Help Hearing Centers. We will work with you to determine the perfect style and fit you won’t find anywhere else. Call 888-832-9966 or contact us online for service information.
