Could Auditory Deprivation Rob You Of More Than Your Hearing?

Audiology On Call, The Atlanta Audiologist and Hearing Care Professionals Offer Insights Into This Little Known Condition

Our hearing can change as we age, and it’s not uncommon to experience hearing loss. But did you know that ignoring hearing problems can seriously affect your brain? Auditory deprivation is a condition that can occur when you have untreated hearing loss, and it can impact your brain in many ways. At Audiology On Call, your Atlanta audiologist and hearing care professionals, we want you to know how to recognize the signs and what to do if you’re concerned about hearing loss.

 

What is Auditory Deprivation?

Auditory deprivation occurs when your brain no longer receives sound signals from the ears. This lack of sound stimulation causes a decrease in the brain’s ability to process sound and can lead to irreversible damage.

As your hearing loss progresses, you may stop using certain aspects of speech, such as certain frequencies or tones. When these parts of speech aren’t used, the brain’s ability to recognize and interpret them decreases. This can result in difficulty understanding speech, even when amplified using hearing aids.

 

How Does Auditory Deprivation Affect the Brain?

Studies have shown that auditory deprivation can cause changes in the structure and function of the brain, leading to cognitive decline and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The brain is a complex organ and relies on stimulation to stay healthy.
 

Hearing loss and auditory deprivation can cause:

• Social Isolation: Difficulty following conversations can make communicating with loved ones and friends challenging, leading to feelings of loneliness.
• Cognitive Decline: A lack of sound stimulation can lead to changes in the brain’s function and structure, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems.
• Depression and Anxiety: Difficulty communicating with others and not being able to participate in activities people once enjoyed can cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Hearing loss often affects balance, leading to increased risk of falls.

 

Why is it Important to Address Hearing Loss Sooner Rather Than Later?

Ignoring hearing issues could lead to a worsening of the condition over time. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more likely you are to suffer from auditory deprivation. This can affect your cognitive function, quality of life, and possibly increase the risk of developing mental health issues.

 

Signs of Auditory Deprivation

It’s essential to recognize the signs of auditory deprivation. Here are a few symptoms to look out for:

• Difficulty in understanding speech, even when amplified using hearing aids.
• Struggling to hear due to background noise.
• Feeling tired or stressed after social events.
• Turning up the volume on the TV or phone.
• Unable to hear phone calls, doorbells, or alarms. 

 

What Should You Do to Address Hearing Loss and Auditory Deprivation?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s important to seek professional help. Our Hearing Care Professionals are trained to assess and diagnose hearing loss. They can provide treatment options such as hearing aids.

By addressing hearing loss, you can prevent auditory deprivation from occurring, reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline or mental health issues, and improve your overall quality of life.

 

Call Audiology on Call, Your Atlanta Audiologist and Hearing Care Professionals for Convenient, Affordable Concierge Style Hearing Care in North Fulton County

At Audiology on Call, we understand the importance of addressing hearing loss promptly. Our team of experts will come to your home, office, or place of work, making it convenient and safe for you to receive high-quality audiological care.

If you are experiencing hearing changes or loss, call us for a comprehensive hearing assessment and personalized treatment options. Don’t let hearing loss and auditory deprivation impact your quality of life.
 
 
 
 

Contact Us Now or Call Us at (833) 244-3275.