Unlocking the Power of Brain Training a.k.a. Cognitive Skills TrainingA Journey to Improved Hearing

In the realm of human potential, the interconnectedness of the brain's functions continues to be a fascinating subject of exploration for neuroscientists and audiologists alike. Beyond its primary role in cognition and decision-making, the brain plays a pivotal role in our sensory experiences, including hearing. 

Recent studies have revealed a promising avenue for enhancing auditory capabilities through brain training - ie. cognitive skills enhancement. Here, we delve into the exciting world of neuroplasticity and how brain training can significantly improve your hearing and ability to stay in the conversation, more effortlessly.

The Marvel of Neuroplasticity

The human brain has an extraordinary ability, known as neuroplasticity, which is the brain's capacity to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. 

It allows us to adapt to new experiences, learn new skills, and recover from injuries. Understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity has opened up new possibilities for enhancing a multitude of benefits for cognitive function, including hearing.

The Brain-Hearing Connection

Hearing is not a passive sense; it is an active process that involves the brain as much as it does the ears. The auditory system in the brain is responsible for processing sound signals received from the ears, and making sense of them. Brain training targets this intricate network of neurons, aiming to optimise its efficiency and responsiveness.

How Brain Training Contributes to Hearing Improvement:

Auditory Processing Speed

Brain training exercises often focus on enhancing the speed at which the brain processes auditory information. This can lead to improved reaction times, and a more accurate interpretation of complex sound signals.

Memory and Recall

Memory plays a crucial role in the auditory experience too. Brain training activities that challenge memory and recall, can strengthen the brain's ability to retain and retrieve auditory information, resulting in improved comprehension of the sound signals being received.

Selective Attention

Having a conversation in a noisy environment can be difficult for any person. For those with a reduced ability to hear, it can be a serious challenge. Filtering out background noise and focusing on specific sounds is also a skill that can be refined and strengthened through brain training. Strengthening selective attention helps individuals to better understand conversations in noisy environments. Advanced new technology in hearing devices can also assist in ‘tuning out’ background noise, making it easier to focus on the conversation close by.

Frequency Discrimination

Many brain training programs incorporate exercises that target frequency discrimination; the ability to distinguish between different pitches. This is particularly beneficial for musicians and anyone who needs to discern subtle nuances in sound.

Cross-Modal Training

Engaging in activities that stimulate multiple senses simultaneously can enhance the brain's ability to integrate auditory information with visual and tactile inputs, creating a more holistic sensory experience.

The Benefits of Improved Hearing:

Enhanced Communication

Improved hearing contributes to more effective communication, reducing misunderstandings and fostering stronger connections with others. The inability to communicate effectively can cause individuals to become socially withdrawn and introverted.

Increased Cognitive Reserve

Brain training - or cognitive training, as we like to call it in our practice - not only benefits hearing but also contributes to overall cognitive health. Strengthening the brain's capacity can potentially delay age-related cognitive decline, and this is really good news, knowing that it might be possible to ‘exercise’ the brain and mitigate the risk of dementia-type disease.

A Richer Quality of Life

Enjoying a richer auditory experience can positively impact your quality of life, allowing you to fully engage with the world out there.

As our understanding of the brain continues to evolve, so do the possibilities for enhancing our sensory experiences. Brain training, or cognitive skills training, offers an exciting and promising avenue to unlock the full potential of improved hearing for individuals who are affected by impaired hearing. By tapping into neuroplasticity, individuals can begin their journey towards improved auditory capabilities, enriching life through a deeper and more nuanced appreciation of the sounds that surround them - making connections with others deeper and more meaningful, and engaging with grace and ease in all situations.

At The Well Being BY CUBEX, our care plans are highly personalised, taking a holistic approach to improving mind-body balance, cognition and hearing. We believe implicitly in the potential benefits of this approach and have helped many of our clientele to unlock their world of improved hearing through cognitive skills development - or brain training. Whether we’re working with professional musicians who have specific hearing challenges, or with any individual seeking to optimise their auditory experience, cognitive skills training presents a pathway to a whole new world of enhanced hearing, richer relationships and life experiences.