Protect & Improve Your Hearing & Brain Health - Dr. Konstantina Stankovic - Podcast Recap

This podcast recap is an extended discussion between Andrew Huberman and Dr. Constantina Stankovich, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford, covering the crucial topic of hearing and its profound impact on health. The conversation emphasizes the mounting evidence linking hearing loss to dementia and the widespread nature of hearing impairment, which currently affects over a billion people globally. Dr. Stankovich explains the intricate mechanics of the auditory system, detailing how sound vibrations are converted into electrical signals for the brain. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to noise-induced hearing loss, stressing the importance of protecting ears from loud environments and offering practical tools like using earplugs and magnesium supplementation for prevention. Furthermore, the experts discuss the challenges of diagnosing and treating conditions like tinnitus and explore the interconnectedness of the auditory system with social-cognitive development and overall mental health.