Most people are familiar with ear problems—from chronic ear infections and tinnitus to autoimmune inner ear disease and Meniere’s disease. Ear infections are incredibly common, especially among young children, with five out of six experiencing at least one by the time they are three years old. However, relatively few people have considered how hearing issues may affect the way we process information. Increased awareness and interest in the link between cognition and communication has led to the development of a new field of research called cognitive hearing science.
