Did you know about the links between memory and hearing? When background noise levels are high—making it difficult to hear—working memory takes a hit. Research shows that people with a better working memory hear better in noise.

There’s also a link between hearing loss and dementia.

It’s intriguing, too, that processing speed and working memory are connected.

When processing speed improves, working memory capacity goes up. When working memory capacity goes up, we hear better in noise.

We can also directly target our ability to hear in noise with auditory training programs.

LACE auditory training was specifically developed for older adults with hearing loss. (Working memory starts to be affected after age 45.) LACE has a two pronged approach to improving working memory by specifically targeting auditory working memory, but also by working on processing speed (which is directly related to working memory capacity). An added bonus: you’ll hear better in noise.