Short Wave Concussions: How A Mild Brain Injury Can Alter Our Perception Of Sound
Dec 13, 2021
Jon Hamilton, a science correspondent for NPR, dives into the little-known effects of concussions on sound perception. He discusses how even mild brain injuries can make it challenging to understand speech in noisy environments. Listeners will learn about the brain's processing of sound and the need for better awareness among healthcare providers. The conversation also touches on the impact of concussions beyond sports, affecting children and military personnel alike, and highlights ongoing research aimed at improving treatment.
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Concussions and Hearing
- Concussions can cause hearing problems even if a standard hearing test is normal.
- The issue lies in the brain's ability to process sound, not the ear's ability to hear.
Prevalence of Auditory Issues
- Sound processing problems affect 15-20% of concussion patients, and some don't fully recover.
- Many doctors are unaware of these auditory symptoms, hindering diagnosis and treatment.
Sound Processing in the Brain
- The brain processes sound by converting pressure waves into electrical signals, then analyzing various properties like loudness, pitch, and timbre.
- Specialized brain cells recognize specific sound properties, enabling us to distinguish between instruments like bassoons and clarinets.
