Hearing loss is often perceived as a natural consequence of aging but we now know that the causes are varied and can range from genetics, lifestyle choices and our environment. Its impact goes beyond merely affecting our ability to hear. It spills over to every area of our lives from running daily errands to attending social and familial gatherings to our job performance.
Research suggests that even mild hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline, impacting various aspects of brain function. The following will provide some of the many facets of its negative effects.
Hearing loss affects cognitive abilities
- The strain on cognitive resources needed for processing speech sounds, lead to difficulties in comprehension, attention span, processing speed and memory recall. Declines in processing speed can occur as individuals with hearing loss need to expend more mental effort to understand speech, potentially impacting other cognitive tasks.
- A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals with hearing loss experienced accelerated cognitive decline compared to those with normal hearing.
- Researchers suggest that the brain’s cognitive resources are redirected to compensate for hearing loss, leaving fewer resources available for other cognitive tasks.
The cognitive load of constantly straining to hear and understand conversations can contribute to mental fatigue, which may further affect cognitive performance.
Social isolation and mental health impact
- Hearing impairment often leads to isolation, as individuals tend to withdraw from social interactions due to difficulties in communication. Social isolation invariably leads to reduced mental stimulation, as social interactions provide challenges and engagement necessary for the health of established neural networks in our brain.
- Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, independent of hearing loss but the correlation of the two have been established.
- A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that hearing loss was associated with a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, which further contribute to cognitive decline. Mental health conditions resulting from hearing loss, such as depression and anxiety, can impact cognitive function through various mechanisms, including neurochemical imbalances and stress-related effects.
Neuroplasticity and brain changes
- The brain has the ability to rewire itself and adapt to changes in sensory input, known as neuroplasticity. The process allows the brain to adapt to learned processes based upon both internal and external stimuli. It plays a crucial role in learning and memory processes, and hearing loss can disrupt this adaptive capacity of the brain.
- Hearing loss also corrupts the auditory input to the brain, potentially affecting neuroplasticity and leading to changes in brain structure and function. Structural and functional changes in the auditory cortex have been observed in individuals with hearing loss, indicating the impact of sensory deprivation on brain regions associated with hearing and cognition.
- Research published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences suggests that the lack of auditory stimulation due to hearing loss can accelerate brain atrophy and increase the risk of cognitive decline. The brain regions responsible for language processing undergo changes in individuals with hearing impairment, potentially affecting linguistic skills and cognitive abilities.
What are some of the signs?
- Speech and other sounds appear muffled.
- Difficulty comprehending words, particularly in crowded or noisy environments.
- Difficulty perceiving non-vowel letters of the alphabet.
- Frequently requesting others to speak slowly, clearly, and loudly.
- Frequently needing to increase the volume of the television or radio.
- Avoiding certain social situations.
- Sensitivity to background noise.
- Experiencing a ringing sensation in the ears, known as tinnitus.
Given the compelling evidence linking even mild hearing loss to cognitive decline, it is crucial to prioritize early detection and intervention. Regular hearing screenings, hearing implements, and other assistive technologies can significantly improve hearing ability, potentially mitigating the consequences on our cognitive abilities.
Dr Lin of John Hopkins recorded the progress 600 participants for over 12 years and found that hearing loss doubled the incidence of dementia.
“Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” Lin says. “Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.” The fact is, if hearing loss is caught in its early stages we have a better chance to offset many of the barriers and negative effects that come with it.
Staying aware and being open to seeing an auditory specialist will help you do just that!
If you need any further information we are a phone call away and ready to be of assistance.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075051/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4111543/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320988/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2795154
