Hearing Aids as Catalysts for Neuroplasticity: Exploring Their Role in Cognitive Preservation and Neurological Rehabilitation

Abstract

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections, plays a constructive role in cognition health throughout life and recovery from certain neurological impairments. Cognitive decline is a symptom of hearing loss, which increases the chances of neurodegenerative diseases accompanied by weight loss due to decreased auditory intake over time. Improving the perception of sound is just one element that hearing aids (HAs) can provide, while their ability to enhance neuroplasticity has not been adequately addressed. This is a systematic review of the literature combined with a focused pilot study to explore how HAs could promote neuroplasticity. Together, these findings support the notion that HAs re-engage previously dormant auditory pathways and facilitate cognitive outcomes — thus they appear to be an important component of future neurological rehabilitation strategies.