Dawn Heiman, AuD
|
Jan 24, 2026
|
2 min read
Does Brain Fog Happen from Hearing Loss or Hormones?
Brain Fog and Hearing Loss: What Women Need to Know
Many women report brain fog, listening fatigue, and difficulty following conversations—especially during perimenopause, menopause, or pregnancy. In this episode, the Hearing Wellness Journey team explores the growing connection between brain fog and hearing loss, hormonal changes, and auditory processing challenges that often go undiagnosed.
Click here to watch the podcast:
How Hormones and Hearing Are Connected
Hormones play a critical role in how the brain processes sound. Fluctuations during pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can impact the inner ear, auditory pathways, sleep quality, and working memory. This is why many women experience tinnitus, fullness in the ears, or the feeling of “not hearing clearly” even when hearing tests come back normal.
Auditory Processing vs. Hearing Loss
A key theme of this episode is auditory processing. Standard hearing tests measure the ability to detect sound, not how the brain interprets it. Many women with normal audiograms still struggle in background noise, meetings, or social settings due to cognitive overload, reduced working memory, or auditory processing difficulties.
Why Baseline Hearing Tests Matter
The hosts emphasize preventative hearing care. Establishing a baseline hearing test allows clinicians to track subtle changes over time—even small shifts of 5–10 decibels can significantly affect self-perception, fatigue, and communication. Early identification reduces the risk of brain reorganization and long-term cognitive strain.
Social Connection, Brain Health, and Hearing
Untreated hearing challenges—whether sensory or cognitive—can lead to withdrawal, anxiety, and isolation. The episode highlights the importance of staying socially engaged through FaceTime, Zoom, music, and group activities. These tools provide both auditory and visual input, reducing cognitive load and supporting long-term brain health.
Expert Voices Featured
Dr. Dawn Heiman, Audiologist
Dr. Emily Johnson, Audiologist specializing in auditory processing
Dr. Stephanie Michaelides, Audiologist
Lindsey Doherty, Host
Together, they advocate for believing women’s experiences, proactive hearing screenings, and addressing hearing health as a whole-brain, whole-life issue.
To see the video edition of this episode with closed captioning, please go to 👉 Hearing Wellness Journey Podcast:https://hearingwellnessjourney.com/podcast/
Stephanie Michaelides, AuD
Dr. Michaelides joined Advanced Audiology Consultants in February of 2023. She completed her undergraduate work at Central Michigan University, her Master's degree in Audiology is from Western Michigan University and her Doctorate in Audiology is from Salus University Osborne College of Audiology. She has experience in a wide range of audiological services but has a special interest in the treatment of hearing disorders. Before joining our practice, she was providing audiological services at Yale University for pediatric and adult patients. Dr. Michaelides is a member of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, the American Academy of Audiology, and the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
Popular Blogs
Dawn Heiman, AuD
|
Jan 24, 2026
Does Brain Fog Happen from Hearing Loss or Hormones?
Is your brain fog hormonal or hearing-related? This episode explores brain fog and hearing loss, menopause, auditory processing, and why women often feel unheard despite normal tests.
Read More
Dawn Heiman, AuD
|
Jan 24, 2026
What Does My Hearing Test Mean?
What does your hearing test actually mean once you leave the office? This episode visually breaks down audiograms, speech scores, and listening effort so your results finally make sense.
Read More
Dawn Heiman, AuD
|
Jan 24, 2026
Can Hearing Aids Be Reused and Refurbished or Is It A Risky Gamble?
Secondhand hearing aids can be a powerful gift or a costly mistake. Learn how audiologists safely evaluate, refurbish, and fit reused hearing aids.
Read More
Dawn Heiman, AuD
|
Jan 24, 2026
Do You Hear The Bells? Sleigh Bells and Ringing In The New Year
Holiday stress can make tinnitus and hearing challenges feel overwhelming. This episode shares practical, compassionate ways to manage ringing in the ears and stay present for the moments that matter.
Read More
