Study blames brain for hearing loss caused by aging

  

February 17, 2009 (WLS) -- Losing your hearing as you age may have more to do with your brain.

A new study finds a small portion of the brain's auditory cortex is closely related to word recognition. And a reduction in the size of the cortex as we age may contribute to hearing loss.

Scientists say, with further research, these new findings might improve rehabilitation efforts to help older people cope with particular hearing difficulties. They say this is important because hearing aids don't help all older adults, and this raises the issue that there are problems going on in the brain that need to be addressed.

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