UDIOLOGY . I've been doing some research regarding hearing and the brain. It seems that increasing volume, whether through use of hearing aids or otherwise, is just one step in the journey to better Heather Zimmel hearing and understanding. Do you find this to be Au D., CCc-A true? And if so, how can you help? Absolutely! When you lose your hearing, the pathways in your brain that used to be reserved for understanding speech begin to reorganize and re-wire". As a result, some of the mental tools that are used to process and comprehend speech may be lost. Hearing aids provide significant help to reduce listening problems by making sounds louder, and even a little clearer, however, by themselves, hearing aids cannot train your brain to interpret speech or improve the distortions caused by impaired hearing. Yet, with regular use and practice, the pathways of the brain needed to efficiently process and understand speech can be strengthened. This is why wearing your hearing aids on a consistent basis, and in a variety of listening situations, is so important to your success with improving your listening skills. Although this improvement can occur with reliable hearing aid use, it tends to be a slower proces which is why we have begun to offer our patients (with and without hearing aids) access to personalized, computer-based auditory brain training programs. Patients who take advantage of auditory brain training typically experience increased confidence in conversations and find it takes less effort to listen to and understand speech. Research shows participation in programs improves one's ability to understand speech in noisy settings. If you'd like to learn more about auditory brain training or get set up with a program today, give us a call at 333-8833 - we would love to help you on your journey to better hearing! dvantageVAudiology & HEARING HEALTHCARE 677 Anne Street NW, Suite G. Bemidji, MN 56601 218-333-8833