As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience some form of hearing loss. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 and nearly half of those over 75 have disabling hearing loss. However, what many people may not realize is that hearing loss can also lead to increased fatigue. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, people with hearing loss are twice as likely to report feeling tired or fatigued than those with normal hearing.
But what exactly is the difference between fatigue and regular tiredness? Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion that isn’t necessarily relieved by rest or sleep, whereas regular tiredness is a feeling of sleepiness that can be alleviated by rest. Fatigue can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
How does hearing loss lead to more fatigue?
Hearing loss can lead to more fatigue in several ways. Firstly, when the brain has to work harder to process and understand speech in those with hearing loss, it can lead to mental fatigue, which in turn can lead to physical fatigue. This is because the brain is expending more energy to try to make sense of sounds that are harder to hear. Additionally, people with hearing loss may find themselves straining to hear in noisy environments, which can also contribute to fatigue.
Secondly, untreated hearing loss can also lead to social isolation and depression, which can also contribute to fatigue. When people with hearing loss have difficulty participating in social activities and communicating with loved ones, they may start to withdraw from social interactions and feel isolated. This can lead to feelings of depression and low energy.
Finally, people with untreated hearing loss may also find themselves avoiding certain activities or environments due to the difficulty of hearing, which can further lead to fatigue due to the lack of physical and social activities.
Hearing aids could help with fatigue.
But there’s good news! One of the most effective ways to reduce hearing-related fatigue is through the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids can help amplify sounds and make speech easier to understand, which can take some of the strain off the brain. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology found that participants who used hearing aids reported a significant reduction in fatigue and an improvement in overall quality of life.
In addition to using hearing aids, there are other things you can do to reduce fatigue related to hearing loss:
- Take frequent breaks when in noisy environments
- Prioritize rest and sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
It’s important to note that the earlier you seek treatment for hearing loss, the better. Not only can early treatment help prevent fatigue, but it can also help prevent social isolation and depression, which can also be caused by untreated hearing loss.
At our hearing practice, we understand the impact that hearing loss can have on your daily life. That’s why we offer a wide range of services to help you find relief, including hearing evaluations and custom fitting of hearing aids. We also offer a variety of hearing aids to suit your specific needs and budget.
Don’t let hearing loss and fatigue hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with our hearing practice today and get your hearing tested. You’ll be amazed at the difference that proper treatment can make. Imagine being able to reconnect with your loved ones and fully participate in the activities you enjoy. The benefits of hearing treatment are truly life-changing.
In conclusion, It’s important to understand the connection between hearing loss and fatigue and seek early treatment. Remember, with the help of hearing aids and other strategies, you can reduce fatigue and improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation and take the first step towards a better hearing future.
