Your Brain On

Your Brain On... Hearing Loss

May 15, 2024

The podcast discusses the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline, the distinction between 'hearing' and 'listening', recent studies linking hearing loss with neurodegenerative diseases, advancements in hearing aid technology, and the relationship between tinnitus and brain responses.

40:23

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Quick takeaways

Different stages and causes of hearing loss being better understood in the 21st century with technology enabling access to auditory information.

The distinction between hearing and listening aids in understanding changes in auditory perception over time.

Advancements in hearing aid technology signal a promising future for auditory science, offering greater accessibility and functionality.

Deep dives

Understanding the Impact of Hearing on Brain Function

Hearing influences our brains by creating memories, language, and emotions from the sounds we perceive. Different stages, types, and causes of hearing loss are being better understood in the 21st century, with technology enabling access to auditory information. Three audiology experts discuss how the brain processes sounds, difference between natural and causative hearing loss, and the connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Hearing Aids: A Shield Against Cognitive Decline

01:58

Hearing Aids Halt Cognitive Decline

02:10

Intro

2min

Understanding Hearing Loss and Its Impact on Health

7min

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

16min

Protecting Your Hearing from Loud Noise and Music

3min

Understanding Tinnitus and its Connection to Hearing Loss

7min

Advancements in Hearing Aid Technology and Future Innovations

4min

Exploring the Impacts of Hearing Loss on Brain Function and Cognitive Decline

2min

How does hearing loss change the brain and contribute to cognitive decline?

The human capacity to hear is incredible. In milliseconds, sound vibrations are transformed into mechanical energy, then sensorineural signals, and then, in our brains, a universe of meaning and memory.

When that sense begins to fade, either due to aging or because of causative damage, our brains can become understimulated, potentially leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

But, with accessibility research, technology, and policy continuing to strengthen and converge, the future promises to be brighter for everyone experiencing hearing loss.

In this episode of ‘YOUR BRAIN ON...’, we discuss:

• The different kinds and causes of hearing loss

• The relationship between aging and hearing loss

• The neurological distinction between ‘hearing’ and ‘listening’

• The recent groundbreaking studies which have made the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline clearer than ever

• How associated conditions like tinnitus impact the brain

• What’s coming next in hearing aid technology

This episode, we’re joined by:

DR. FRANK LIN, Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins, who headed major research into how hearing loss contributes to increased risk of neurodegenerative disease.

DR. DOUGLAS BECK, renowned audiologist and co-host of the Hearing Matters podcast, who talks about the past and future of hearing aid devices, how to protect your hearing, and why listening — not hearing — is a whole-brain event.

DR. KRISTIN BARRY, researcher and tinnitus expert, who breaks down the various types of tinnitus and explains how the effects of tinnitus can be observed in the brain.

‘Your Brain On’ is hosted by neuroscientists and public health advocates Ayesha and Dean Sherzai.

‘Your Brain On... HEARING LOSS’ • SEASON 2 • EPISODE 3

LINKS

Dr. Frank Lin

Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health: https://jhucochlearcenter.org/

The Hearing Number: https://hearingnumber.org/

Dr. Douglas Beck

Dr. Beck’s website: http://www.douglaslbeck.com/

The Hearing Matters podcast: https://hearingmatterspodcast.com/

Dr. Kristin Barry

Dr. Barry at the University of Western Australia: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/kristin-barry

Dr. Barry’s TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKY-hohg8wM