Hearing loss negatively affects brain health

Sharing important information about the neurological impact of hearing loss, Mehmet Emin Ağaç, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ear Technic-Si-Ser Hearing Aids, President of the Hearing Aids Acoustics and Audiology Association (ICAAD), Pedeacoustician, and Neuro-M Specialist, said, "When the neurological impact of hearing loss is examined, studies have shown that it is not just about not being able to hear the sound; it has much deeper effects and leads to more severe consequences.

The vital importance of hearing, which connects people to life and integrates them into it, is attracting increasing attention every day. While the importance of hearing and social interaction is generally studied in disciplines such as audiology, psychology, and psychoacoustics, with the advancement of technology, neuroscientists have begun to deeply investigate the brain's reflections of hearing and its functional dimensions using various instruments. Neuroscientists are becoming interested not only in the consequences of hearing loss but also in the functional changes that occur in the brain," he said.

Difference between hearing and deaf people

Neuro-M Specialist Mehmet Emin Ağaç, explaining that there are differences between the brain activity of hearing and deaf individuals, said, "A new study published by a neuroscientist research group has revealed significant differences in brain activity and connectivity between individuals with noise-induced hearing loss and those with normal hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is both a serious public health problem and a significant burden on the health economy in all developed countries. This type of hearing loss develops over time as a result of prolonged exposure to loud noises and often leads to tinnitus and other perceptual problems."

"People with hearing loss experience a decrease in the brain's network power and efficiency."

Mehmet Emin Ağaç, emphasizing that hearing loss causes changes in the brain, continued his explanation as follows:

As part of the study, all participants underwent positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). These scans mapped glucose metabolism in the brain, tracking subtle changes in the activity and connectivity of brain cells. Decreased brain activity was observed in individuals with noise-induced hearing loss, particularly in the insula and right superior temporal gyrus, the regions responsible for sound and language processing. The insula plays a role in many complex functions, such as hearing, speech, perception, and recognition. In addition to changes in specific brain regions, a general impairment of metabolic connectivity was observed in individuals with hearing loss. Compared to individuals with normal hearing, a significant decrease in the strength and efficiency of both regional and global brain networks was found. In noise-induced hearing loss, perception problems occur due to damage to the auditory nerves that transmit sound to the brain; this can limit the benefit obtained from the device, even in individuals who use hearing aids.

"Protect your ears to protect your brain"

Mehmet Emin Ağaç, who stated that "Hearing loss is not limited to superficial effects such as decreased hearing or physical damage to the inner ear," made the following warnings:

It's also a health problem that severely impacts the brain at a structural and functional level, potentially leading to neurological consequences. Therefore, early intervention for hearing loss is vital for protecting not only auditory but also cognitive health. Your hearing health isn't just about your ears. It's directly related to your brain, your quality of life, and your future. So, please don't delay. Si-Ser Hearing Centers invites you to schedule a free hearing checkup. Take a step for yourself; invest in your ears, your brain, and your life.