Recently, the topic "Hearing declines after removing glasses" trended on social media platforms, sparking widespread discussion.

Many individuals with nearsightedness shared their experiences in comment sections, claiming that without their glasses, they often feel as though they "can neither see nor hear clearly."

So, does vision truly influence hearing? On November 25, Science and Technology Daily interviewed relevant experts to shed light on this intriguing phenomenon.

Dr. Hu Ke, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the First Clinical College of Chongqing Medical University and Executive Director of the Ophthalmology Department at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, explained the science behind this sensation. According to Dr. Hu, humans primarily rely on sensory systems such as vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell to process external information. These systems are not isolated but are intricately interconnected. Information gathered by different sensory organs is transmitted to corresponding centers in the brain. There, the brain conducts dynamic and complex integration and analysis, ultimately creating a comprehensive perception of the external world.

When people communicate, vision plays a critical role. The eyes capture body language, facial expressions, and lip movements, which help people better understand what is being said. However, for those with nearsightedness, removing their glasses diminishes the visual system's ability to gather information. Dr. Hu noted that when this happens, individuals subconsciously strain to see better. As a result, the brain allocates more attention to the visual system, temporarily reducing focus on the auditory system. This shift in attention may create the perception of "reduced hearing."

A Temporary Phenomenon

Dr. Hu reassured that this sensation is short-term and does not indicate an actual decline in hearing. "There's no need for excessive worry," he emphasized. As the eyes gradually adapt to the absence of glasses, the brain redistributes attention among the sensory systems, allowing individuals to hear external sounds more effectively again.

To further illustrate, Dr. Hu pointed to examples of individuals with severe visual impairments or total blindness. When vision diminishes significantly or is lost entirely, the brain and sensory systems undergo long-term training and adaptation. Over time, the brain becomes more efficient at processing auditory signals, and these individuals often develop heightened hearing sensitivity compared to before.

Why Does This Phenomenon Occur?

The relationship between sensory systems, particularly vision and hearing, can be attributed to the brain's limited capacity to process information simultaneously. When the visual system demands more resources, other sensory inputs—such as hearing—may momentarily receive less attention. This phenomenon is part of the brain's natural prioritization mechanism to help individuals adapt to their immediate environment.

However, this temporary shift does not equate to a deterioration in hearing ability. As Dr. Hu pointed out, once the brain adapts, it redistributes its attention to maintain a balanced sensory experience. This flexibility highlights the brain's remarkable ability to adjust to sensory changes and environmental demands.

Adaptation in People with Visual Impairments

Dr. Hu's example of visually impaired individuals underscores the brain's capacity for sensory compensation. When one sense, such as vision, is diminished or absent, the brain's plasticity allows other senses to compensate. For instance, visually impaired individuals often rely more heavily on their auditory and tactile senses to navigate the world. Over time, their brains optimize the processing of auditory information, enhancing their ability to detect and interpret sounds with remarkable acuity.

This adaptation process involves changes in the brain's neural networks and enhanced communication between sensory regions. Studies in neuroscience have shown that blind individuals often exhibit increased activity in areas of the brain typically associated with vision, repurposing these regions to process auditory and tactile inputs.

Implications for Everyday Life

For people with normal vision who occasionally remove their glasses, this phenomenon serves as a reminder of how interconnected our sensory systems are. It also highlights the importance of maintaining sensory health. Dr. Hu advises individuals not to be overly concerned about temporary sensations of diminished hearing when not wearing glasses, as these are normal and self-correcting.

In daily life, understanding how sensory systems interact can improve communication and adaptation strategies. For instance, individuals with impaired vision may benefit from auditory cues, while those in noisy environments might rely more on visual information to enhance understanding.

The sensation of reduced hearing after removing glasses underscores the brain's dynamic nature in managing sensory input. While it may feel disconcerting, it is a temporary adjustment process that resolves as the brain rebalances its focus. Furthermore, the adaptability of the brain demonstrates how sensory systems work together to create a comprehensive perception of the world. Understanding these interactions not only deepens our appreciation for human biology but also offers insights into how to better support those with sensory impairments.