Recent research from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev highlights a surprising effect of chronic stress: it alters the way the brain processes sound. According to the study, prolonged stress dampens the brain’s response to quieter sounds while maintaining sensitivity to louder ones. This occurs due to hyperactivity in specific inhibitory neurons (SST cells), which suppress other neurons responsible for auditory perception. As a result, people under chronic stress may need louder auditory stimuli to hear clearly.
Symptoms of Stress-Induced Auditory Processing Issues
Because stress affects how the brain processes sound, individuals may experience:
Increased sensitivity to loud noises – Everyday sounds might feel overwhelming or even painful.
Difficulty filtering background noise – Conversations in noisy environments may become harder to follow.
Misinterpretation of sounds – People might struggle to distinguish between similar words or tones.
Feeling disconnected in social settings – Communication can become exhausting when the brain has trouble processing speech.
Heightened startle response – Sudden noises may trigger an exaggerated reaction, reinforcing a cycle of stress.
How the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Can Help The Safe and Sound Protocol, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a non-invasive auditory intervention designed to help the nervous system regulate better. SSP uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting the body from a chronic fight-or-flight state into a more balanced, calm state. This process can help:
Improve sound processing – By training the brain to better regulate auditory input.
Reduce hypersensitivity – Making loud noises feel less overwhelming.
Enhance social engagement – By improving the ability to focus on speech in noisy environments.
Lower stress responses – Helping the nervous system feel safer, reducing the physiological impact of chronic stress.
A New Path to Relief
This research highlights how deeply stress can impact not just emotions but fundamental sensory processing. If you or someone you know struggles with sound sensitivity, difficulty understanding speech in noisy settings, or an exaggerated startle response, the Safe and Sound Protocol may offer a path to relief. By addressing the root cause—nervous system dysregulation—SSP helps restore balance and improve overall well-being.
Interested in learning more about SSP and whether it might be right for you? Contact Heart and Mind Therapy to explore how this powerful intervention can support your journey to healing.
Reference:
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. (2024). Chronic stress alters auditory processing in the brain. Retrieved from Neuroscience News
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