Abdelrahman
The Impact of Noise on Auditory Processing: A Personal Journey
By Hannah Karpel
BBC News Health Reporter
Caption: Sophie shares that her anxiety escalates in noisy environments without her headphones.
In our daily lives, the auditory landscape consists of countless sounds—from the beeping of supermarket cash registers to the soft hissing of a coffee machine at a local café. For many, these sounds are just part of the backdrop. However, for some individuals, like Sophie, a 25-year-old administration assistant from London, these everyday noises can become overwhelmingly distracting, causing difficulty in distinguishing voices or responding to alert signals.
Sophie often hears remarks about being inattentive, spaced out, or "a bit ditsy". “While I’m aware of various sounds around me, I struggle to pinpoint where they originate. I might recognize a voice, but it takes me too long to make sense of it,” she explains.
After her hearing test came back normal, Sophie sought the expertise of a private audiologist. She was ultimately diagnosed with auditory processing disorder (APD), a neurological condition that hinders the brain’s ability to decipher sounds and spoken language. In light of this diagnosis, her audiologist and colleagues across England are advocating for further investigation into a potential link between the rise of noise-cancelling headphones and APD.
Overwhelmed by Sound in Academic Settings
Growing up on a quiet farm, Sophie began noticing auditory challenges when she transitioned to university life in London. She struggled to identify the source of sounds, which made attending lectures difficult. Rather than participating in-person, she opted for online viewing with captions. “In the lecture halls, everything sounded like gibberish,” she recalled, noting that the surrounding chatter affected her social interactions, often causing her to leave social gatherings early due to the intense noise levels.
Caption: Classrooms can echo and be filled with distracting sounds, complicating the learning experience for those with APD.
The exact cause of Sophie’s auditory processing disorder is uncertain, but her audiologist suspects that her regular use of noise-cancelling headphones—often for hours a day—may contribute to her symptoms. Other experts in the field concur, calling for more in-depth research to evaluate the consequences of prolonged headphone use.
Hearing vs. Listening: Insights from Audiology Specialists
Renee Almeida, an adult audiology clinical lead at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, emphasizes the distinction between hearing and listening. She notes an uptick in young individuals referred for hearing assessments, emphasizing, “Listening skills appear to be deteriorating.”
While noise-cancelling headphones can protect ear health by preventing loud sounds from damaging hearing, Lisa Barber, a technology editor at Which?, notes variability in their design. Some models only offer basic passive noise cancellation, while others feature a transparency mode that allows users to hear some ambient noise.
The Risks of Audio Isolation
Claire Benton, vice-president of the British Academy of Audiology, warns that regularly using headphones that block out ambient sounds may hinder the brain’s natural ability to filter important noise. She suggests that this can create a "false environment," making it harder to develop critical listening skills that typically mature in late adolescence.
Concerns about APD care accessibility in England are growing; a 2024 survey revealed that just 4% of audiologists feel well-versed in APD. Moreover, adults only have one NHS provider in England for comprehensive APD assessments, subject to lengthy wait times.
The Need for Comprehensive Research
Calls for further research into the potential implications of noise-cancelling headphones, particularly regarding their effect on children, are intensifying. Dr. Angela Alexander, an audiologist and owner of APD Support, advocates for exploration of this link. “What could the future hold if we neglect this issue? Many well-intentioned caregivers think that headphones or earplugs will solve noise-related challenges,” she said.
As Sophie prepares to commence treatment for her auditory processing disorder, she remains hopeful about the future. “When my boyfriend and I go to a bar, we often leave early due to the noise. I’m optimistic that with treatment, I’ll navigate busy places more comfortably,” she reflects.
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding auditory challenges, the role of technology, and the significance of proper sound processing, experts urge a proactive and informed approach to understanding and managing auditory health.
