"Your Brain On: Hearing Loss" feat. Dr. Douglas Beck, Dr. Frank Lin, and Dr. Kristin Barry

Oct 8, 2024

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Douglas Beck, an audiologist and co-host, along with Dr. Frank Lin, director of the Cochlear Center at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Kristin Barry, explores the significant links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. They discuss the innovative Hearing Number Initiative, which simplifies hearing assessments, and highlight how untreated hearing loss raises dementia risks. The trio delves into the biology of hearing, emphasizing the holistic nature of listening and advancements in hearing aid technology aimed at improving quality of life.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Understanding Hearing Loss and Its Impact

02:28 • 15min

Optimizing Health: Tools for Practice Management and Brain Engagement

17:23 • 2min

The Impact of Hearing Loss on Cognitive Health

19:13 • 10min

Innovative Hearing Aids and Essential Hearing Protection Tips

29:27 • 3min

Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

32:20 • 7min

Innovations in Hearing Aid Technology and Future Prospects

39:44 • 4min

Understanding Hearing Loss and Its Broader Impact

43:35 • 3min

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First and foremost, a special thank you to Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai! Be sure to check out "Your Brain On..." podcast. We're excited to re-release their original work "Your Brain On: Hearing Loss".

Unlock the secrets to preserving cognitive health with the insights from esteemed experts like Dr. Kristin Barry, Dr. Frank Lin, and Dr. Douglas Beck. Discover how hearing loss is not just a standalone issue but intricately linked with cognitive decline. This episode takes you through Dr. Lin's innovative Hearing Number Initiative, which aims to demystify hearing ability assessment, making it as straightforward as checking your blood pressure. Through compelling discussions, we explore why understanding the varying degrees of hearing loss is essential for maintaining cognitive vitality and how advancements in technology are enhancing life quality for those affected.

Explore the fascinating biology behind hearing and listening, as we differentiate between these two crucial processes. Our conversation sheds light on how the inability of inner ear cells to regenerate contributes to gradual hearing loss and why high frequencies are often the first to fade. We dive into the intricacies of the cochlea and its organization, emphasizing how listening is a complex, whole-brain event beyond just perceiving sound. Through the exploration of auditory neuropathy and its impact on hearing tests, we underscore the importance of viewing listening as a holistic brain activity involving emotional and semantic processing.

Learn about the profound connection between hearing loss and dementia, supported by recent groundbreaking studies like ACHIEVE and ENHANCE. These studies reveal how hearing interventions significantly reduce cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of prevention and professional hearing aid fittings. We also discuss the role of technology in mitigating the risks of hearing loss and the potential of advancements such as auditory brainstem implants. With insights from Dr. Kristen Berry on tinnitus, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the auditory world and its broader implications for cognitive health.

Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast Team

Email: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com

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