hearing, cognition and auditory processing hearing, cognition and auditory processing

Vestibular Rehabilitation panel discussion general

Audiology: Listening with the Brain: Neuroplasticity-Based Approaches in Auditory Rehabilitation, Listening with the Brain: Neuroplasticity-Based Approaches in Auditory Rehabilitation, Listening with the Brain: Neuroplasticity-Based Approaches in Auditory Rehabilitation, Listening with the Brain: Neuroplasticity-Based Approaches in Auditory Rehabilitation

Description and Background

We live in an acoustically complex world, and our capacity to detect, perceive, monitor and identify salient sounds from the continuously changing acoustic environment is crucial to our wellbeing and survival. Multiple strands of research indicate that auditory function shapes brain function across the life span and that it is reciprocally connected with language and cognitive function. The responsible mechanisms for this interconnectedness and to what extent these are affected by a range of factors in different stages of life are still investigated.

The aim of this lecture is to introduce this complex topic by discussing how auditory sensory experience may affects the brain circuitry and language and cognitive skills across the life span. Three showcases will be discussed: effects of early life hearing loss on auditory processing and cognition; the relationship between hearing sensitivity, auditory processing and cognitive skills in normal hearing adults who complain of poor speech perception in noise; the relationship between age related hearing loss with auditory processing and dementia.

Outcome Objectives

- Discuss what is known about the interactions between auditory function and cognition across the life span and provide a framework to understand the hearing and cognition interconnectedness

- Discuss the negative effects of altered auditory experience on the individual to highlight the need for investigation and rehabilitation

- Raise awareness of the need to characterise hearing ability with tests beyond audiometry and understand test limitations