The Effects of Hearing Loss on Brain Function

Recent studies have found that the effects of hearing loss go beyond daily frustration, social isolation, and the inability to distinguish speech or enjoy music. Hearing loss is also linked to a decline in cognition and an increased risk of dementia. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to turn some attention to the effects of good hearing on brain health.

Neuroplasticity: The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline  

We tend to think of hearing as something we do with our ears, but it is actually the brain that processes the sounds we hear. Our ears carry electrical signals to the brain, which then turn those signals into sounds we recognize. When we experience hearing loss, the area of our brain that interprets those electrical signals becomes underused, and begins to decline.

Previously, it was believed that our brains remained mostly unchanged throughout our adult lives. We now know, however, that the brain reorganizes itself when it needs to adapt, a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. This reorganization begins even in the early stages of hearing loss, where other areas of the brain that are responsible for higher cognitive function attempt to compensate for the loss of hearing. In the elderly adult, especially, this overworks areas of the brain needed for high-level functioning, which may explain why hearing loss is so closely correlated with dementia.   

Early Intervention: Protecting brain function

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that one-third of adults aged 65-74, and nearly one-half of those over 75, have trouble hearing. Although we tend to think of hearing loss affecting primarily older adults, hearing loss can occur at any age, with 65% of people with hearing loss being below retirement age. Yet, less than 25% of those who need hearing aids get them right away, waiting an average of 7 years, in which time preventative cognitive decline may be occurring.

If you believe you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, schedule a hearing test with a licensed audiologist. Early intervention can help preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia.       

At Better Hearing Systems of Northwest Louisiana, we are committed to comprehensive hearing care through state-of-the-art testing and fitting equipment. We offer cutting-edge hearing aids, hearing devices, and premium hearing accessories. To learn more about what Better Hearing Systems can do for you, visit our website or call (318) 309-4727 today to schedule a free hearing consultation.

What Is Tinnitus?

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders claims that roughly 10 percent of the adult population has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.  Tinnitus is not a disease but rather an auditory condition in which there is ringing or buzzing in the ears.  Although it is typically a ringing sound, tinnitus can also be hissing, clicking or whistling.  It may be soft or loud, high pitched or low pitched, depending on external sounds.

The noises we expose ourselves to everyday can have an effect on our hearing if they are too loud.  Both loud and long-lasting noises can damage sensitive structures in the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss.  Because tinnitus originates in the inner ear, it often damages the sensory hair cells that are vital for hearing and balance.

One of the easiest ways to prevent tinnitus is avoiding excessive noise exposure.  A great way to lessen your risk is defending your ears with hearing protection like earplugs.  While you are in loud environments like concerts or health clubs, position yourself as far away from the source of sound as possible.  If you are listening to music with ear buds or headphones, adjust the volume to a low level.  The most important step you can take for your hearing is to make sure you limit your time in noisy environments and keep the volume down.

If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling in your ears, you may be suffering from tinnitus.  There is no cure for tinnitus but treatment options are available to help people cope with the condition.  If you are in need of tinnitus treatment, contact Better Heating Systems for a consultation.  We offer both counseling and state-of-the-art hearing instruments that will help you cope with tinnitus.

To set up your appointment with Better Hearing Systems, give us a call at (318) 309-4727 and let us help you get back to your daily life!

Protecting Your Hearing at Concerts

With summer on the horizon, festival season is fast approaching. Music festivals are a fun, wonderful summertime tradition across the U.S., but did you know the noise levels around a stage can reach 110 decibels or more? That’s the near-equivalent of standing next to a jackhammer that’s drilling into concrete. In short: loud music can damage your hearing.

Many music-lovers and concert-goers are unaware of just how acute the dangers of high-volume music is to their hearing. If you’ve ever been to a concert, you’re probably familiar with the ringing that stays in your ears for the hours or even days following the show. This is usually a temporary issue, and the time taken to recover can vary from person to person. If the ringing doesn’t stop and normal hearing does not recover, then it is considered tinnitus - a symptom of noise-induced hearing loss caused by damage to the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. A person with tinnitus may experience ringing, clicking, or roaring in their ears for which there is currently no cure. Most individuals with tinnitus simply get used to the ringing sounds in their ear and learn to live with it over time. When it comes to tinnitus and hearing loss, prevention is key!

Without completely forgoing music festivals this year in the best interest of your ears, what can do to protect your hearing?

Use Earplugs!

If you’re an avid concert-goer, you’re most at risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to the high volume and length of time you’re listening to it. If you go to multiple concerts, you up your chances of tinnitus simply by exposing your ears to the high decibels for long periods of time. The best thing you can do to protect your hearing while still enjoying the show is to wear earplugs. Musicians and DJs often wear earplugs themselves, so that’s all the more reason you should, too! The silicone and foam earplugs you can find easily at any drug store may not be your best bet, though. They often fit poorly and muffle sound. Instead, you can get special musicians earplugs that are custom-fit to your ear and will not distort sound quality. If you’re a music-enthusiast, they’re your best option to still enjoy loud music and concerts while protecting your hearing from damage. (If you don’t have earplugs but plan on attending a concert in the near future, try to stand at least 10 feet away from speakers and escape to a quieter area for breaks if you notice your ears are hurting.)

The best solution to hearing loss is prevention. Better Hearing Systems of NWLA can help! We offer the aforementioned musicians earplugs among other hearing accessories. If you’re unsure whether you may already be experiencing hearing loss, we also offer free hearing consultations and evaluations. Contact Better Hearing Systems before festival season is here, so you can enjoy with peace of mind (and ears) all the great music and shows summer has to offer!