Researched by Jessica Andrew and Dr Helen Nuttall
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In recent years, growing concerns have emerged about the potential harmful effects of less severe head impacts, known as sub-concussions, particularly within contact sports. Unlike concussions, which are more readily diagnosed and treated, sub-concussions often go unnoticed and unreported. Despite their subtlety, research has indicated that the accumulation of repetitive sub-concussive impacts over time can potentially lead to progressive brain atrophy and resulting in a neurodegenerative disease known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is characterised by profound changes in mood and cognitive abilities and, disturbingly, it does not manifest until years after an athlete has stopped competing, with diagnosis only possible post-mortem.
Among the less frequently discussed consequences of head impacts are deficits within the auditory sensory system. Despite being a critical part of our interaction with the environment, issues related to auditory processing following head injuries are often poorly reported and assessed. Emerging research has begun to draw connections between hearing loss and the risk of developing dementia, suggesting that auditory dysfunction may serve as an early indicator of more significant neurodegenerative processes. This link is particularly relevant in the context of contact sports, where athletes are regularly exposed to repeated head impacts that could subtly impair their auditory processing long before other symptoms of brain injury become apparent.
Auditory complaints associated with sports-related impacts are increasingly documented, including hearing loss, noise sensitivity, and difficulties in understanding speech, particularly in complex listening environments. Yet, these auditory issues remain largely overlooked by healthcare professionals, and there are currently no standard assessments in place to investigate these potential deficits systematically.
My PhD research is dedicated to bridging this gap in the literature by exploring how participation in contact sports influences both subcortical and cortical auditory processing, by focusing on key auditory markers. This study aims to uncover the early neural changes that might occur as a result of repetitive head impacts, even in the absence of overt symptoms. Understanding these changes will contribute to the growing body of literature on repetitive sub-concussive head impacts in contact sports and may pave the way for the development of targeted assessments, rehabilitation programs, and preventative strategies to protect athletes from potential long-term auditory and cognitive consequences.