Hearing: Use it or Lose It

Hearing loss is often gradual and, therefore, something that you adapt to. You may not notice it for months or years. But slowly, hearing acuity does wear out for many; it’s simply part of the aging process.  Auditory deprivation happens when hearing loss is untreated; the brain is insufficiently stimulated by sound and loses some of its ability to process information. Failure to take prompt corrective action could result in the brain actually "forgetting" how to hear and understand speech, warns audiologist Dr. Annette Stephenson of Cayman Hearing Center, Ltd.

“Over a period of time, insufficient sound stimulation will cause the brain to lose a portion of its ability to process information," said Dr. Stephenson. "This is known as auditory deprivation and studies have shown that the longer a patient goes without treatment it is very likely that the brain will forget how to process speech, even after treatment is implemented."

“Delaying treatment for hearing loss for years, can risk permanent impairment of the brain's ability to understand speech," said Dr. Stephenson.
She offered these facts about hearing loss:

• People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help. (Center for Hearing and Communication)
• Those who have difficulty hearing can experience such distorted and incomplete communication that it seriously impacts their professional and personal lives, at times leading to isolation and withdrawal. (Better Hearing Institute)
• Nine out of ten hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life. (Better Hearing Institute)

What are the indications of hearing loss? According to Dr. Stephenson any one of these can be a symptom:

• You feel that people mumble and don't speak clearly
• You understand some people better than others
• You have difficulty understanding phone conversations
• Family and friends comment on the need to repeat themselves
• You have difficulty following a conversation in a crowded room
• People complain that you turn up the volume on the television to an uncomfortable level
• You have ringing in your ears

In most cases, the progression of hearing loss is subtle, Dr. Stephenson recommends yearly hearing examinations and urges those diagnosed with hearing loss to promptly seek treatment and avoid the risk and consequences of auditory deprivation.

For more information or to make an appointment please call us today at 946-9174 or send us an email [email protected].