Hearing Loss and Tinnitus are symptoms caused by the aging, decaying, and damaged auditory nerve in over 1.5 billion individuals worldwide who have the condition known as auditory neuropathy (ICD-10 Code: H93.3).
Watch Dr. Keith Darrow Explain Auditory Neuropathy in Seniors
1. The Onset and Natural Progression of Auditory Neuropathy:
• Auditory neuropathy often begins insidiously in the 3rd to 4th decade of life as part of the natural aging process.
• This progressive neurologic condition gradually disrupts the fidelity of auditory nerve signaling, setting the stage for a cascade of symptoms and subsequent cognitive strain.
2. The Symptoms and Impacts of Neuropathy:
• Its effects are far-reaching, contributing to tinnitus, supra-threshold listening difficulty (e.g., difficulty understanding speech in noise), hyperacusis, and excessive auditory and cognitive strain.
• These symptoms highlight the complex interplay between peripheral hearing loss and central processing demands, which can overload cognitive resources over time.
3. Physical Changes in the Brain:
• Auditory neuropathy is associated with measurable physical changes in brain structure, including cerebral atrophy. Studies have documented declines in cerebral volume in regions such as the temporal lobe and broader patterns of global atrophy.
• These changes underline the impact of untreated auditory deficits on the brain’s long-term health.
4. Physiologic Changes in the Brain:
• Functional imaging studies, such as fMRI, reveal altered neural activity patterns in individuals with auditory neuropathy, while EEG studies demonstrate cortical reorganization as the brain adapts to reduced auditory input.
• These changes illustrate the dynamic yet maladaptive ways the brain compensates for auditory deficits.
5. Correlations with Cognitive Function:
• Auditory neuropathy correlates with significant functional changes in the brain, as evidenced by reduced scores on cognitive assessments, including MOCA, measures of working memory, and executive function.
• These findings further establish auditory neuropathy as a key contributor to cognitive decline and reinforce the importance of early intervention to
mitigate its downstream effects.
6. The Impact of Treating Hearing Loss on Cognition:
• Compelling evidence demonstrates that treating hearing loss can positively influence cognitive outcomes. Studies show that individuals using hearing technology experience improvements in cognitive performance over time, including better scores on working memory and executive function assessments.
• Additionally, the impact of hearing treatment in maintaining cognitive function by reducing the strain on neural resources, enhancing social engagement, and promoting overall brain health.
• This evidence highlights the critical role of hearing care professionals in not only addressing hearing challenges but also actively contributing to the preservation and improvement of cognitive function.
Due to the significant medical impact of auditory neuropathy on your physical and cognitive health we highly recommend you schedule an appointment to begin treatment with our Arizona Audiologists located in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Glendale, Ahwatukee, or Surprise.