Hearing loss can have a major effect on cognitive abilities, as the brain needs to work hard to comprehend speech. Numerous scientific studies have found that hearing aids can help keep the brain active and protect against cognitive decline. For instance, people who use hearing aids for age-related hearing loss maintain better brain function over time than those who don't. Cochlear implants and hearing aids modify the physical characteristics of sound.
They introduce noise, compress signals, and alter the frequency content of the signal. This means that when evoked potentials are recorded using sound emitted through a hearing aid, the effects of hearing aid processing on the physical characteristics of sound are likely to affect the evoked neural response pattern. Experts agree that exercising the brain is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. This includes keeping up with hobbies, doing daily crossword puzzles, and playing mind games.
For those with hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can make a huge difference in how their brain works. When you first start wearing hearing aids, there is a period of adjustment as your central auditory system and brain get used to them. That's why most doctors and hearing centers offer a trial period, so you can make sure that the type you've chosen is right for you. The central auditory system of someone with conductive or sensorineural hearing loss has experienced deprivation-related plasticity.
It's important to note that changes in the hearing aid prescription can affect evoked neural responses.
Research Findings
Researchers at UMD found that using hearing aids could partially restore deficits in cognitive function and auditory function of the brain in older adults. They also discovered that it's difficult to demonstrate the benefits of digital noise reduction algorithms, as implemented in hearing aids, to improve speech recognition in noisy situations.Adjusting to Hearing Aids
Putting on your hearing aids may require some adjustments, especially if it's been a while since your hearing was at full capacity.Individual evoked response patterns may reflect differences between hearing aid processors rather than differences in brain activity. At the end of a six-month study, participants showed improved memory, improved neural speech processing, and greater ease of hearing as a result of using the hearing aid. The research team is working on developing better procedures for attaching hearing aids to people for the first time. In addition, your hearing will change over time, so be sure to keep up with your hearing care appointments.
