What's Up Docs? What can you do about hearing loss?
Dec 16, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Prof. Doris Bamiou, a leading expert in neuroaudiology, demystifies hearing loss and auditory cognition. She explains the 'cocktail party problem' and why it becomes more challenging with age. Discover how attention, prediction, and memory influence our ability to listen amidst noise. Doris also emphasizes the importance of social engagement and protective measures for maintaining hearing health. Plus, she shares practical tips on using headphones safely and recognizing harmful sounds around us.
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Twin's Childhood Ear Damage
- Xand described childhood ear infections that left him with a scarred eardrum and poorer right-ear hearing.
- He notes hearing loss can feel like the world getting louder, not quieter, especially in noisy rooms.
Hearing Is A Brain Process
- The ear senses sound but the brain is what actually hears and reconstructs the auditory scene.
- Doris Bamiou explains the brain increases volume and reorganises processing after hearing loss, which can fail in noisy places.
Listening Uses Cognitive Resources
- Listening requires attention, prediction and memory beyond raw hearing.
- Doris Bamiou calls this interaction 'auditory cognition' and says it draws on higher-level brain resources.