Enhanced Hearing

Definition

Enhanced hearing refers to a heightened ability to perceive and process auditory stimuli, often observed in individuals who have lost their sight. It is believed that this compensatory adaptation occurs due to the brain reallocating resources from visual processing areas to auditory processing areas.

Related terms

Sensory Substitution: Sensory substitution is when one sensory modality (such as touch or sound) is used to convey information typically received through another modality (like vision). For example, using sound patterns to represent visual information.

Cross-modal Plasticity: Cross-modal plasticity refers to the ability of the brain's sensory regions to adapt and process information from different senses. In the case of enhanced hearing, it involves the redistribution of neural resources from visual areas of the brain to auditory areas.

Neuroplasticity:

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Enhanced hearing is an example of neuroplasticity as it demonstrates how the brain can adapt and compensate for sensory loss.