Recent research indicates that listening to something while looking in a different direction slows reaction times, as the brain works to overcome distractions. Whether we are driving or conversing, this finding reinforces the idea that, by casting our gaze in a direction that is different from what we are listening to, we compromise our ability to hear. Researchers found that simply shifting the direction of gaze a few degrees away from a sound source has a significant impact on brain activity. Our brains are wired to expect visual gaze direction to be in alignment with auditory attention. Thus, the whole notion of the validity of multi-tasking must be called into further question.
If you are concerned about your hearing, focus on one task at a time…helping yourself toward maximum hearing capability. It may be one of the most important undertakings of your life. At BETTER HEARING CENTER, we will stake our reputation on your complete satisfaction with our approach to addressing your hearing difficulties. Our state-of-the-art hearing tests are conducted and the results evaluated by an audiologist with advanced training in the art of helping the hearing impaired. If this sounds like it might be a solution for you, why not give New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider a call?
P.S. The directional microphones available on hearing instruments help wearers align the source of the sound they are hearing with their sight of that source.