How Treating Hearing Loss Supports Your Brain

Hearing loss treatment enables you to hear and communicate better, but also better supports the brain because of the frequency in activity. Your brain plays an essential part in processing the sounds sent from your ears. This is why hearing loss can have a negative effect on your brain if left untreated. An audiologist can offer a variety of suitable treatments for hearing loss. They are also trained in the diagnosis and management of other related disorders such as tinnitus, and balance issues. Treatment for hearing loss leads to a healthy brain and an improved way of life.

How does hearing loss affect your brain?

The process of hearing starts in the ears which then send signals to your brain to interpret. Sound waves cause the tympanic membrane in your middle ear to vibrate which results in movement in your inner ear. Here, there are tiny hair cells that convert the vibrations into electrical impulses which are sent to the brain through the auditory nerve. Your brain interprets these electrical impulses into sounds, enabling you to hear them. In the case of hearing loss, damage to the ear prevents your brain from receiving these signals. There are cells in your brain that interpret sound input and when they don’t receive this, the brain thinks they are malfunctioning, or not being used properly. For this reason, a process known as neuroplasticity occurs. Your brain tries to reallocate or reorganize cells for different functions and jobs as a way to try and solve the problem. The effect of this process is a strain on the brain which can lead to cognitive decline. Your brain attempts to use parts that are set aside for high cognitive functions to help interpret sound signals. This is how hearing loss can have a negative effect on cognitive functions such as memory, learning, logical thinking, and problem-solving. It’s often the case that you can hear a person speaking but can’t quite understand what they’ve said, for example.

How can treatment for hearing loss benefit your brain?

In order to improve both your hearing loss and cognitive function, an audiologist can provide a range of treatments. These can help reduce the strain on your brain and allow you to boost your mental abilities. By treating hearing loss, the parts of your brain being “borrowed” can go back to perform higher cognitive tasks. The patient’s quality of life will also be improved as they will be able to cope more readily with work and social situations. If left untreated, hearing loss can have a detrimental effect, which is why it’s critical to have hearing issues diagnosed and properly addressed.  You will be able to improve the functioning of your cognitive centers and get back to your daily routine. An audiologist can perform several tests and checks for hearing loss and it’s advisable to book an appointment if you have any concerns you or a family member is experiencing hearing loss. There are various types of treatment an audiologist can recommend for hearing loss, but first, they have to get to the root of the problem. In some cases, hearing loss is simply caused by a build-up of wax or infection, and an audiologist will remove and treat these. Other forms of treatment include surgery and fitting assisted listening devices such as hearing aids.

How can an audiologist help?

An audiologist will be able to identify which kind of hearing aid or assisted listening device is suitable for the patient taking into account their unique requirements. Hearing aids are custom-made by audiologists for each individual. They also provide counseling services and advice to help the patient get used to their new hearing aid. If necessary, an audiologist will perform repairs and updates to the hearing aid, as well. Treatment for hearing loss is not only for improved hearing but it also provides the brain with the support it needs. It relieves some of the strain when hearing loss occurs enhancing cognitive functions. An audiologist will be able to recommend a suitable solution to treat hearing loss and any related conditions. Hearing loss if left untreated can have negative consequences, but an audiologist can provide support. With the right treatment, they can improve the quality of life of the patient. At Advanced Hearing Services, we provide help and advice about hearing loss and suitable solutions. Our friendly team is available for all the information you need. If you would like to learn more about Advanced Hearing Services contact us at (970) 449-0592.