Episode
The Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
2:03:20
Published: Mon Jul 05 2021
Description
This episode I describe how our ears and nervous system decode sound waves and gravity to allow us to hear and make sense of sounds. I also describe protocols for rapid learning of sound and other types of information. I discuss sound localization, doppler effects (sound motion), pitch perception and how we isolate sounds in noisy environments. I also review the scientific findings on binaural beats and white noise and how they can improve learning. Other topics and protocols include tinnitus, sea sickness, ear movement, ear growth and the science-supported ways we can all accelerate learning using "gap effects". For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Overview of Topics (00:02:20) Protocol: New Data for Rapid Learning (00:09:10) Introduction: Hearing & Balance (00:09:30) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:13:53) How We Perceive Sounds (00:21:56) Your Hearing Brain (Areas)  (00:23:48) Localizing Sounds (00:28:00) Ear Movement: What It Means (00:33:00) Your Ears (Likely) Make Sounds: Role of Hormones, Sexual Orientation (00:35:30) Binaural Beats: Do They Work? (00:43:54) White Noise Can Enhance Learning & Dopamine (00:51:00) Headphones (00:55:51) White Noise During Development: Possibly Harmful (01:03:25) Remembering Information, & The Cocktail Party Effect (01:12:55) How to Learn Information You Hear (01:18:10) Doppler (01:22:43) Tinnitus: What Has Been Found To Help? (01:30:40) Aging: How Big Are Your Ears? (01:35:00) Balance: Semi-Circular Canals (01:40:35) A Vestibular Experiment (01:43:15) Improve Your Sense of Balance (01:48:55) Accelerating Balance (01:51:55) Self-Generated Forward Motion (01:56:25) Dizzy versus Light-Headed (01:58:38) Motion Sickness Solution (02:01:23) Synthesis Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
This podcast explores how the auditory and vestibular systems can be used to facilitate faster learning and improve memory retention.
00:00 - 02:58 (02:58)
Summary
This podcast explores how the auditory and vestibular systems can be used to facilitate faster learning and improve memory retention. It also briefly touches upon the benefits of leveraging these systems as well as other methods for faster learning.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Injecting short periods of rest during learning activities improves skill acquisition, retention and the rate of learning, according to scientific studies.
02:58 - 08:24 (05:26)
Summary
Injecting short periods of rest during learning activities improves skill acquisition, retention and the rate of learning, according to scientific studies. Rest periods as short as 10 seconds activate the hippocampus and cortex and have been proven to enhance learning and memory.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Huberman lab suggests using single-ingredient supplements supplied in optimized dosages to create a systematic and scientific supplementation protocol.
08:24 - 13:58 (05:33)
Summary
Huberman lab suggests using single-ingredient supplements supplied in optimized dosages to create a systematic and scientific supplementation protocol. The lab also recommends Thesis to create personalized nootropics starter kits.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
The cochlea in our ears responds to sound waves, which are then transmitted to the brain to be decoded and interpreted, allowing us to hear and understand sounds of varying frequencies.
13:58 - 24:16 (10:18)
Summary
The cochlea in our ears responds to sound waves, which are then transmitted to the brain to be decoded and interpreted, allowing us to hear and understand sounds of varying frequencies.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Our ears are remarkably similar to those of macaque monkeys and chimpanzees, allowing us to locate sound in space.
24:16 - 34:54 (10:37)
Summary
Our ears are remarkably similar to those of macaque monkeys and chimpanzees, allowing us to locate sound in space. Disruptions in auditory and visual matching can lead to the ventriloquism effect, where sound appears to come from a different location.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
The principles of brainwave entrainment are achieved by exposing one ear to a high frequency sound and the other to a low frequency sound to bring the brain into deep relaxation or focused learning states.
34:54 - 41:39 (06:44)
Summary
The principles of brainwave entrainment are achieved by exposing one ear to a high frequency sound and the other to a low frequency sound to bring the brain into deep relaxation or focused learning states.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast discusses a study that explores the impact of different types and levels of noise on brain states for learning, with a focus on how white noise can enhance brain states for learning in adults but may have a detrimental effect on auditory learning in infants.
41:39 - 53:17 (11:38)
Summary
This podcast discusses a study that explores the impact of different types and levels of noise on brain states for learning, with a focus on how white noise can enhance brain states for learning in adults but may have a detrimental effect on auditory learning in infants.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses the benefits of using pink noise for older individuals to aid in learning, but warns of the potential risks of using white noise for extended periods of time, as it may be detrimental to the development of the auditory system in young children.
53:17 - 1:05:21 (12:03)
Summary
Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses the benefits of using pink noise for older individuals to aid in learning, but warns of the potential risks of using white noise for extended periods of time, as it may be detrimental to the development of the auditory system in young children.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
The ability to focus on specific features of speech or music can enhance our level of attention overall and help us capture more information.
1:05:21 - 1:18:26 (13:05)
Summary
The ability to focus on specific features of speech or music can enhance our level of attention overall and help us capture more information. By creating a tunnel of auditory attention, we can better listen for the onset and offset of specific words or sounds, even without realizing it.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast episode discusses the limited evidence suggesting that Ginkgo Biloba can help with age-related tinnitus and the disruptive nature of hearing sounds that aren't there.
1:18:26 - 1:36:21 (17:54)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the limited evidence suggesting that Ginkgo Biloba can help with age-related tinnitus and the disruptive nature of hearing sounds that aren't there. The host also touches on the reasons why people with tinnitus often reach out for help.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
The inner ear system is responsible for detecting head movement and maintaining balance.
1:36:21 - 1:41:22 (05:00)
Summary
The inner ear system is responsible for detecting head movement and maintaining balance. Hair cells in the semicircular canals are activated by small stones or calcium deposits, which send signals to the brain when the head moves.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Incorporating visual training into balance exercises can help enhance balance abilities by providing robust information about the relationship between the visual and vestibular systems.
1:41:22 - 1:49:12 (07:50)
Summary
Incorporating visual training into balance exercises can help enhance balance abilities by providing robust information about the relationship between the visual and vestibular systems. Training with changes in visual environment and static posture can help activate and adjust postural muscles to changes in the visual world.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
The scientific literature shows that roller coasters and other dynamic movements can be beneficial for cultivating a better sense of physical balance by activating deeper brain nuclei and triggering the release of neuromodulators that make us feel good.
1:49:12 - 1:56:52 (07:39)
Summary
The scientific literature shows that roller coasters and other dynamic movements can be beneficial for cultivating a better sense of physical balance by activating deeper brain nuclei and triggering the release of neuromodulators that make us feel good.
EpisodeThe Science of Hearing, Balance & Accelerated Learning
PodcastHuberman Lab
Debunking the Myth of Low Blood Sugar & Enhancing Brain Function with White Noise and Binaural Beats
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses how lightheadedness is commonly mistaken for low blood sugar and how low-level white noise and binaural beats can enhance brain function.
1:56:52 - 2:03:10 (06:17)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses how lightheadedness is commonly mistaken for low blood sugar and how low-level white noise and binaural beats can enhance brain function. She also touches upon the balance system and its intricate relationship with our inner ear, the visual system and gravity.