As a kid I was fascinated by the stories of people returning from extended stays in outer space for the first time. When they returned to earth and tried to walk on the ground, they collapsed. Eventually, scientists figured out why and how to prevent this.

The lack of gravity in space meant little to no resistance for the body when moving. Even though the astronauts were moving around while in space, their muscles had so little resistance that they atrophied and weakened. The density of their bones also decreased. In the worst cases, teams of doctors had to work with astronauts to help them relearn how to walk. Fortunately, most of the issues were reversed after being back on the earth at normal gravity for a period of time.

Eventually, special machines were developed that helped individuals in space to exercise their muscles in the absence of gravity. Using these machines in space on a regular basis decreased the negative impact of zero gravity on bones and muscles, but did not completely eliminate them, as all individuals who spend time in space lose some muscle and bone density.

While experiencing weightlessness can be fun and gives a person the ability to do many things that are otherwise impossible, the prolonged lack of resistance has a negative impact later on when resistance is encountered. I think of this when someone who has hearing loss says they prefer their quiet world. I believe much like weightlessness, silence is enjoyable at the time. But then when a noisy environment is encountered, or in other words resistance is reintroduced, it is much less comfortable and can be impossible to function.

Individuals with hearing loss experience a lack of stimulation of the auditory nerve and brain. For a time, this may seem peaceful, but lack of stimulation leads to atrophy and weakness. The longer this occurs, the more severe and permanent the long-term impact. Permanent decreased ability to understand speech and inability to understand in noise are all but guaranteed to happen the longer the auditory system is unused or underused. The likelihood of dementia also significantly increases with untreated hearing loss.

As with individuals in space, some form of technology is needed to stimulate the nerves to maintain function. Stimulating the auditory system with hearing aids maintains nerve and brain function. With most cases of hearing loss, the only way to properly stimulate the nerve is amplification through the use of hearing aids.

Astronauts who are able to walk when they return to earth are not able to do so just because of luck. They have to put in the effort to maintain their muscles. Likewise, people with hearing loss who maintain their ability to understand speech, hear in noise, and avoid dementia by wearing hearing aids are not just lucky.