How the Brain Hears

The brain's role in hearing can help explain the invisible effects of hearing loss

All sounds are just vibrations. While the ear helps capture airborne vibrations, the brain helps us make sense of them. Together the brain and the ear turn vibrations into what we recognize as sounds. Speech, music and other sounds become meaningful.

By understanding how the brain contributes to hearing, we can better explain the causes and some of the overlooked and often invisible effects of hearing loss.

The ears' role in hearing

The ears are responsible for collecting sound waves and transforming them into signals that your brain can process.

Your outer ear (the part that you can see) is responsible for collecting sounds. When sound waves enter your ear canal, they are turned into mechanical vibrations that travel through a combination of bones and fluid before reaching the inner part of the ear.

The inner ear transforms mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, which are then passed via the auditory nerve to the brain.

The brain's role in hearing

It may seem like a no-brainer to say that the brain plays a crucial role in how we hear. The brain regulates and comprehends all our senses based on the information it receives. In the case of hearing, the information is the sound signals it receives from the ears.

The brain has the incredible ability to make sense of sound signals. Over the years, it has been trained to recognize and focus on the sounds that are important to communication, safety and understanding of the world around it.

When it receives signals, the brain seamlessly:

Comprehends speech
Filters unwanted sounds
Focuses on desirable sounds
Interprets new or unfamiliar sounds

What happens when hearing loss is present

Most commonly, hearing loss happens because of changes to the tiny cells of the ear itself. Sometimes there are problems with the mechanical parts of the ear (such as the eardrum, or the tiny bones inside the ear) that inhibit sounds from reaching the cells of the inner ear.

In some rare cases, the problem lies with the bundle of nerves that carry the sound signal from the ear to the brain. Even more rarely, the parts of the brain that help us recognize sounds can be damaged.

There are cases where a combination of factors related to both the ears and the brain contribute to hearing challenges.

If hearing loss is present, the electrical signals that the brain receives may be incomplete or weak. But the brain can adapt and fill in the gaps based on its years of experience processing signals.

It's similar to reading a newspaper that is damaged. With context, you're likely to figure out what the stories are about and grasp the main points. But with more damage, comprehending the stories gets more difficult.

As far as your brain is concerned, it's the same concept. If it only has weak signals to work with, it has to work harder to fill in the gaps.

How hearing aids help the brain

The capability of your brain to understand sound depends on the quality of sound signals it receives. Hearing aids contribute to more balanced and complete sounds, so it is easier for your brain to process the signals.

There are many brain benefits of hearing aids. For example, hearing aids can:

Provide more consistent sounds in a wider range of environments, meaning the sound signals your brain receives are more consistent.
Boost the sounds you have difficulty hearing to provide stronger signals to the brain.
Remove some of the unwanted background sounds.
Help you hear from one direction at a time to eliminate unwanted interference from ambient sound.
Restore imbalances in hearing.
Restore some of the ability to tell where sounds came from and enhance our ability to focus.
Reduce the effort necessary to hear.

Why it's important to understand the brain's role

The ears are often the focus of healthy hearing. This is in large part because the brain's role in hearing is often invisible.

We don't want to diminish the importance of your ears – they are crucial to hearing. But brain research helps us understand the other factors that contribute to a healthy listening ability.

It helps to explain some of the effects of hearing loss. For many people, these are the effects that are less visible but just as impactful to their relationships, health and wellbeing.

Exhaustion

Even though the brain has the ability to fill-in-the-gaps when it receives weaker sound signals, this is not an easy task. It takes brainpower to process this information that the ears are sending, which can lead to mental exhaustion and frustration.

Just as it is more tiring and difficult to read a damaged newspaper, it is more tiring and difficult to process weaker sound signals.

Social isolation

Some people with hearing loss become overwhelmed, embarrassed, or exhausted in social situations, whether they are at home or in public. If it is tiring trying to follow conversations, it can be easier just to avoid seeing people in those challenging environments.

Anxiety and depression

Hearing loss can also contribute to anxiety and depression. When brainpower is exhausted by trying to process weak sound signals, it can contribute to mental stress and feelings of depression.

Dementia

Research into the link between hearing loss and dementia is ongoing, but studies show that people who have hearing loss may be at higher risk for dementia. This is thought to be the result of brain exhaustion or social isolation.

The brain needs time to adapt

Over time, the brain can adapt to changing sound signals. If sound signals weaken, the brain can attempt to fill in the gaps. If sound signals improve, the brain can adjust and improve your comprehension and interpretation of sounds while spending less mental energy in the process.

The brain's role in hearing is an opportunity: you can adapt to hearing aids, therapy and other solutions to improve your hearing health and well-being.

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Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency You Can't Ignore

October 3, 2025

When it comes to audiology, there’s only one true emergency: sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) . Unlike gradual hearing loss that develops over years, SSNHL appears abruptly and requires immediate medical attention. Audiology First specializes in rapid emergency hearing care, with diagnostic protocols and treatment pathways designed to act fast when every hour matters. Quick intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent hearing damage. Let’s learn how to recognize warning signs and understand what a treatment plan would look like. Understanding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Definition and Criteria To an Audiologist, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is defined as a 30+ dB hearing loss (which in layman's terms would be a very noticeable change) across three different pitches of hearing within 72 hours. For it to be a true sudden sensorineural loss, it cannot be related to anything else, like wax blockage, fluid buildup or a blockage. It happens without warning and is often mistaken for a minor issue like earwax buildup or fluid in the ear, but the stakes are often much higher. Prevalence and Demographics SSNHL affects about 5 to 20 per 100,000 people annually , with thousands of cases reported across Canada. While it can strike at any age, adults in their 40s and 50s are more commonly affected. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Most cases are unilateral (one ear), but in rare circumstances, hearing loss can affect both ears. Bilateral cases are especially urgent and may point to underlying systemic or autoimmune conditions. Associated Symptoms Patients often experience additional warning signs such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, or a sensation of fullness in the affected ear. Audiology First’s Emergency Assessment Our clinic prioritizes same-day evaluations , including audiometric testing and immediate physician referral when needed. By identifying SSNHL quickly, we aim to maximize the window for effective treatment and recovery. Remember that hearing care centers like Audiology First cannot treat sudden loss, but play a role in identifying it. If you cannot see an audiologist or another trained hearing care professional right away, you should not delay seeking medical help from a physician. If same day testing is not available, you should continue to seek help as a matter of urgency. We recommend using one or more of the following resources: Call Alberta Healthlink on 311 Visit an Urgent Care center Visit your local Emergency Room or Call a local Ear Nose and Throat specialist’s office Recognizing the Warning Signs Immediate Symptoms The hallmark sign is sudden hearing loss in one ear , which may feel like muffled sounds or difficulty understanding speech. Secondary Indicators Other red flags include persistent tinnitus, balance issues, and ear pressure that can accompany the hearing loss. When to Seek Emergency Care Time is of the essence. Some research shows that treatment is most effective when started within the first 72 hours . While some people’s hearing may recover spontaneously with or without treatment, delaying medical attention can lead to permanent hearing impairment . In some cases, hearing does not recover, even with prompt treatment. If you are experiencing dizziness at the same time as a hearing loss, do not drive yourself to seek help, but consider getting someone to drive you to any immediate appointments. Self-Assessment Techniques At home, a simple test is to cover one ear at a time when listening to a familiar sound (such as your phone or TV). If one side sounds significantly quieter or distorted, it’s an urgent signal to seek help. If you are a hearing aid user, it is important to check that your hearing aid is not blocked or malfunctioning in some way, giving the appearance of a sudden change in hearing. Treatment Options and Protocols Audiologists and Hearing Care Professionals cannot prescribe medications, but these are some of the options offered to people with sudden loss when they visit a medical professional. Corticosteroid Therapy The primary treatment for SSNHL is corticosteroids, delivered either orally or through intratympanic injections. These reduce inflammation and improve the likelihood of hearing recovery. Prednisone is often prescribed. Treatment Timing Prompt treatment is crucial. Patients who start therapy within 14 days of onset have significantly better outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For patients who don’t respond to steroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can serve as a salvage treatment, improving oxygen delivery to the inner ear. Supportive Care Managing related issues like tinnitus or dizziness may require additional therapies, including hearing aids or vestibular rehabilitation. Audiology First’s Treatment Approach We have a great relationship with the local ENT specialists, and coordinate all aspects of care with them to ensure each patient has access to the best possible recovery options. Recovery and Rehabilitation Recovery Timelines: Recovery can range from a few days to several months, depending on the severity and speed of treatment. Some patients regain full hearing, while others experience only partial improvement. Hearing Aid Considerations: For those with lasting deficits, modern hearing aids can provide amplification and restore communication confidence. Tinnitus Management: Persistent ringing in the ears is often a consequence of hearing loss that can be managed through sound therapy, well fitted hearing aids, counseling, and tinnitus retraining techniques. Follow-up Care: You should return to the clinic for a series of routine follow up tests over the weeks and months following a sudden hearing loss. This allows us to measure whether treatments have been successful, and to treat any residual hearing loss. Audiology First’s Rehabilitation Services For those who need it, Our team provides comprehensive recovery support, including custom hearing aid fittings, counseling, and personalized rehabilitation plans. Prevention and Risk Factors Known Risk Factors Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been linked to the following: Viral infections Autoimmune disorders Circulatory problems Certain medications Age-related vulnerabilities Protective Measures Protecting your hearing from loud noise, avoiding ototoxic medications when possible, and treating systemic health issues can lower risk. Early Detection Baseline hearing tests and regular audiology check-ups can help detect changes early and establish a benchmark for comparison. Lifestyle Factors It is difficult to note which factors may reduce the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, but a healthy lifestyle—including balanced nutrition, exercise, and cardiovascular health—supports long-term hearing preservation. Audiology First’s Prevention Programs We provide preventive screenings, personalized risk assessments, and educational resources so patients can take proactive steps toward protecting their hearing health. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss is not a typical hearing problem…it’s a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, don’t wait, contact Audiology First immediately during business hours, or contact any other trusted hearing care clinic. If you cannot reach us, please seek immediate medical attention. Book your hearing evaluation today and take the first proactive step in protecting your long-term hearing health.