How to Help Your Brain Navigate Hearing Loss

Did you know that your ears only capture/funnel sound and your brain decodes the noise so you can understand what you heard? Because of this, the ears and the mind are incredibly dependent on one another. They are so connected that the compromise of one can lead to problems in each other's functions. As a result of findings, many researchers believe that age-related hearing loss can also lead to cognitive difficulties. If the brain is having to work harder to translate the noise, whether it is receiving or not receiving a good signal from the ears, it may have trouble deciphering the sound, even with hearing aids. Here are a few ways you can make this critical job a little easier on your brain.

• Fuel your brain with sleep and nutrition. Both getting enough sleep and eating a well-balanced meal can lead to better brain performance.

• Ask people to face you when they speak. The eyes are an essential way for the brain to gather information. Seeing someone's lips move as they talk can help the brain decipher what it hears.

• Use another translator to help you. Apps like MyEar transcribe conversations for the user.

• Request for people to slow down their speech when talking to you. If a person takes a few more breaths in between words, it will give your brain more time to understand the sounds.

• Consider auditory comprehension activities. These can help retrain your brain to translate sounds. There are apps and online programs available for adults that require this kind of rehabilitation.

• Have your hearing checked and consult with your audiologist. If you are experiencing hearing loss, the first best step is to have an audiologist, examine your hearing, and determine what technologies may aid you. Implementing treatments can help alleviate strain on your brain.

For more tips and information on hearing health, be sure to check out our other blog posts and follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages.