Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“Jot That Down” - Thoughts about note-taking following a head injury

One of the things I hear frequently when I meet a new patient is, “All of a sudden I have to write everything down. I used to just remember things and now I’m totally overwhelmed. It’s SO frustrating!”

Let’s take a minute to analyze the situation and put things in perspective. Normally, you have a routine which may involve work, typical household chores, family obligations, etc. But now you’ve been hurt - maybe due to a fall, a sports injury, or a car crash. You’re not feeling like yourself, you’re tired and scared, and all of a sudden tasks are piling up. In addition to your usual responsibilities, you may be dealing with any or all of the following:

  • Physical symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, sleep disturbance, etc.

  • Emotional symptoms: sadness, fear, anxiety, trauma, etc.

  • Medical appointments happening at different times on different days

  • Insurance companies

  • Work issues

  • Not having a car

  • Being unable to perform household chores

When we think of it that way, it’s a lot! You’ve had several things added to your plate, and it’s hard to juggle and remember everything that needs to be done.

How Does Impaired Hearing Impact Cognition?

Did you know that hearing impairment is a common symptom after sustaining a concussion? Many people are aware of post-concussive symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or memory loss, but are less familiar with the possibility of hearing impairment. Some people experience hearing loss while others may experience symptoms such as difficulty processing auditory information, ringing in the ears, or sensitivity to noise. It varies significantly by person, but these symptoms can sometimes have a profound effect on your life.

You might be surprised to learn that even mild hearing impairment can impact a person’s life and daily functioning. In fact, research shows that even mild hearing impairment is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline as well as an increased risk of dementia. In this blog, we’re going to discuss several examples of different areas of cognition that are directly impacted by a hearing impairment in addition to some tips to help you alleviate these challenges.