Hearing & Memory

I came across a recent study discussing the effects of hearing loss in older populations. Rather than just discussing the actual loss itself, the study looked at how hearing loss influenced participation in outdoor activities, led to psychological distress, and increased memory loss.

This brings up an important point. Auditory input passes from the ear through Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear) and ends up in the temporal lobe of the cortex. We usually think of the temporal lobe as being the site of auditory processing, which it is. But it also has other functions, including long-term memory.

A loss of auditory input means a decrease in neural activity in the temporal lobe. Given that the brain depends upon neural activity to keep itself alive and functioning, the health of the temporal lobe, and therefore the ability to create/retrieve long-term memory, depends on continued input.

Food for thought for anyone considering the use of hearing aids -- restoring auditory input isn't just about hearing.

Find the article at https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13708