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Review Article Volume 17 Issue 2
The cognitive maladaptation hypothesis: how sensory deprivation could contribute to cognitive decline
Hannah A Glick, Douglas L Beck, Keith Darrow, Jung Trinh
Received: April 23, 2025 | Published: May 12, 2025
Citation: Glick HA, Beck DL, Darrow K, et al. The cognitive maladaptation hypothesis: how sensory deprivation could contribute to cognitive decline.J Otolaryngol ENT Res. 2025;17(2):38‒42 DOI: 10.15406/joentr.2025.17.00563
Abstract
This article reviews several established hypotheses explaining the possible relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline, while suggesting a similar process may occur in other sensory systems (i.e., vision). Building on these existing frameworks, the article introduces an alternative perspective—the Cognitive Maladaptation Hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that prolonged sensory deprivation, in some cases can induce maladaptive neuroplastic changes in the brain. These changes involve the brain recalibrating to distorted or degraded sensory input, which increases the likelihood of perceptual and cognitive errors and accelerates the progression of neurocognitive impairment. The article emphasizes the critical need for early intervention, such as the use of hearing aid technology, to mitigate these maladaptive changes and preserve cognitive integrity and function. By critically examining existing theories and introducing a new neuroplasticity-based perspective, this article provides professionals with meaningful insight into the complex connection between sensory loss and cognitive decline.
Keywords: hearing loss, cognitive decline, harbinger hypothesis, cognitive load hypothesis, cascade hypothesis, common cause hypothesis, cognitive maladaptation hypothesis
©2025 Glick, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.