Protect & Improve Your Hearing & Brain Health | Dr. Konstantina Stankovic

Overview

This episode explores the science of hearing, its profound impact on cognitive and emotional health, and actionable strategies to protect and improve auditory function. Dr. Konstantina Stankovic, a leading expert in otolaryngology, discusses the mechanics of hearing, the risks of hearing loss, the connection between auditory health and dementia, and the latest treatments for tinnitus. Practical advice on preventing hearing damage, including the use of magnesium and earplugs, is also shared.

Notable Quotes

- Hearing loss is not just about your ears; it's about your brain and your ability to connect with the world. — Dr. Konstantina Stankovic

- The auditory system is so sensitive it can detect displacements smaller than the diameter of a hydrogen atom. — Dr. Konstantina Stankovic

- If you can hear what someone is listening to through their headphones, it's too loud. — Dr. Konstantina Stankovic

🎵 The Mechanics of Hearing and Its Vulnerability

- Hearing involves converting sound waves into electrical signals via the cochlea, a tiny, fluid-filled organ in the inner ear.

- The cochlea is incredibly sensitive, detecting vibrations at sub-angstrom levels.

- Two types of hearing loss were explained: conductive (e.g., issues with the eardrum or ear bones) and sensorineural (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve).

- High-frequency sounds are more vulnerable to damage from noise, aging, and certain medications.

🧠 Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

- Hearing loss is linked to social isolation, depression, and an increased risk of dementia.

- Even mild hearing deficits can impair focus and cognitive function.

- Standard hearing tests may miss early signs of hearing loss, as the auditory system compensates until significant damage occurs.

- Speech-in-noise tests are emerging as better tools for identifying those at risk of cognitive decline.

🔊 Protecting Your Hearing

- Noise exposure is a major cause of hearing loss. Safe thresholds: 80 dB for 8 hours, halving exposure time for every 3 dB increase.

- Earplugs are essential for concerts or loud environments. Look for those with at least 30 dB attenuation.

- Magnesium supplementation (e.g., magnesium threonate) has been shown to protect against noise-induced hearing loss. Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, nuts, and fish.

- Avoid regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can contribute to hearing loss.

🎶 Tinnitus and Emotional Health

- Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is often a phantom sound generated by the brain in response to reduced auditory input.

- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hearing aids are the most effective treatments.

- Magnesium and a healthy diet may help in cases where tinnitus is linked to migraines.

- Emotional pathways in the brain are tightly linked to auditory circuits, explaining why sound can evoke strong feelings or distress.

🌍 Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

- Environmental toxins like heavy metals and microplastics may harm auditory neurons.

- Recreational noise exposure, such as loud music or urban environments, accelerates hearing damage.

- Children are more vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss, emphasizing the need for early prevention.

- The inner ear is unique in its inability to develop cancer, a phenomenon that could inspire new cancer research.