In everyday life, it’s easy to forget how important our sense of hearing is or to pay it any attention at all. However, our ability to hear plays a crucial role in how we connect with the world around us. Hearing loss can have serious consequences for our overall well-being and quality of life. Despite this, hearing often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. If hearing loss is not compensated for*, it can lead to a condition known as auditory deprivation. This is a situation where the brain is deprived of essential and necessary auditory stimulation. In this post, I will discuss how such a condition affects overall hearing health, brain functions, cognitive decline, mental health, and the onset of social isolation.
*Hearing aids are not used to compensate for hearing loss.
Affect both brain structure and function
Perceiving the sounds around us requires complex cooperation between the ear and the brain. The brain plays a central role in processing sound and assigning it meaning. If the brain is deprived of sounds to some extent due to hearing loss, it can lead to a situation where the auditory center in the brain does not receive enough auditory stimulation. This can cause a redistribution of the brain’s cognitive resources to other tasks, which can have far-reaching consequences, affecting various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and speech/language processing. Brain plasticity is both a blessing and a curse. While it allows for survival, it also highlights the importance of timely intervention. Studies have shown that reduced auditory stimulation can lead to brain atrophy* in areas responsible for sound processing. Stimulating the brain with sounds is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. Remember the saying: “Use it or lose it.”
*Atrophy is the wasting away of an organ, usually manifesting as a decrease in size and weight, along with a decline in function and capacity.
According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the lack of auditory stimulus can cause changes in the structure and function of the brain’s auditory center. These changes can manifest as difficulties in understanding speech, distinguishing different sounds, and identifying the location of sound sources. One way to restore auditory stimulus in case of hearing loss is through the use of hearing aids. However, it should be noted that long-term loss of auditory stimulus causes permanent changes in the brain’s auditory center that cannot be reversed even with later use of hearing aids. Therefore, starting to use hearing aids should not be left to the last moment!
Reducing the likelihood of dementia
There is growing interest among researchers in studying the connections between the lack of auditory stimulation and cognitive decline. Several studies have shown a link between uncompensated hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive impairment, including an increased likelihood of conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A longitudinal study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, found that older adults who did not use hearing aids experienced faster cognitive decline compared to their peers with normal hearing. Researchers estimate that hearing loss causes approximately 8% of dementia cases. This translates to nearly 800,000 new dementia diagnoses worldwide each year! Addressing hearing loss in a timely manner can help significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline that could otherwise arise from the lack of auditory stimulation.
Reducing the likelihood of mental health disorders
In addition to brain functions, the lack of auditory stimulation can also affect mental health. The frustration and feelings of isolation that often accompany hearing loss increase the likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. According to the American Psychological Association, individuals with uncompensated hearing loss are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression and feelings of loneliness. This highlights the importance of addressing not only the physical aspects of hearing loss but also its psychological impact.
One of the biggest challenges faced by people with hearing loss is social isolation. We are social beings, and difficulties in communication can lead to feelings of alienation and exclusion, affecting quality of life. Studies have shown that people with uncompensated hearing loss are more likely to feel lonely and socially isolated compared to those without any hearing problems.
Don’t delay seeking help for hearing loss
Fortunately, we can take steps to prevent or mitigate the effects of the lack of auditory stimulation. The key point here is early intervention, so it is important to seek the help of a qualified audiologist at the first signs of hearing loss. Regular hearing tests, especially for people in high-risk groups (e.g., noisy work environments or hobbies, ear-related illnesses, family history of hearing loss, etc.), can help detect problems early and facilitate timely finding of aids. In addition to professional help, there are several steps people can take to maintain their hearing health. This includes avoiding prolonged exposure to noise, wearing hearing protection in noisy environments, and practicing good listening habits.
If hearing loss has already occurred, compensating for it is the first step in preventing problems arising from the lack of auditory stimulation. There are various hearing devices, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other assistive devices, selected based on the extent and type of hearing loss. It has been found that well-fitted amplification can promote more typical functioning at the cortical level and provide cognitive benefits.
However, it should be noted that even with the use of hearing aids, certain difficulties may remain, especially if compensating for hearing loss was delayed significantly. To keep the brain as active as possible, consider incorporating the following activities into your daily life:
- Challenge your brain: Participate in training, put together puzzles, or learn a new language.
- Stay in touch with loved ones: Prefer social interaction, spend time with loved ones, and engage with people who share similar interests.
- Learn new things.
There is Much You Can Do to Prevent It
In conclusion, the difficulties arising from the lack of auditory stimulation are a serious consequence of uncompensated hearing loss, which can have a wide-ranging impact on brain functions, cognitive abilities, mental health, and social well-being. There is much one can do to reduce these risks. The goal should be to regularly monitor your hearing, intervene at the first opportunity, and use hearing aids if prescribed. Above all, protect your hearing to enjoy the sounds around us naturally for as long as possible.