Could time cover eyesin the dark improve your hearing?

A recent study suggests it could.

Researchers from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University tested the so-called “Ray Charles Effect” on mice. They wanted to know if spending time in the dark – often reported to improve hearing in children – did the same for adults.

In the study, adult mice were kept in the dark for about a week. At the end of the study, their hearing and vision were tested. While their vision was unchanged, their hearing was improved. How? Their brains actually rewired themselves.

The boost in hearing lasted only a few weeks, but scientists are hoping to find a way to extend the effects.
Who knows? In ten years, your hearing loss treatments could consist of spending time in a dark room.

Until then, if you have hearing loss, see us at Hearing and Balance Centers of West Tennessee. We’ll test your hearing and design a treatment plan that works best for you.