{"id":1793,"date":"2021-03-26T12:19:01","date_gmt":"2021-03-26T16:19:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlestonhearing.com\/?p=1793"},"modified":"2021-03-26T12:19:01","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T16:19:01","slug":"does-hearing-loss-cause-fatigue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/does-hearing-loss-cause-fatigue\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Hearing Loss Cause Fatigue?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s common to feel worn out after a long Zoom call with friends or socially-distanced get-together at Brittlebank Park<\/a>. But for people with hearing loss<\/a>, this fatigue tends to be chronic, occurring after almost every interaction. We discuss how hearing loss can lead to fatigue below.<\/p>\n

Listening Fatigue\"Tired<\/h2>\n

Listening fatigue is a term that audiologists use to describe how draining a conversation can be for those with hearing loss. In fact, listening fatigue is often one of the earliest symptoms of hearing loss.<\/p>\n

The reason listening can cause fatigue is because of how the ears and brain work together to help you hear. Within the ears are tiny hair cells called stereocilia, which convert soundwaves into electrical energy that the brain interprets as sound. Each cell is responsible for processing a specific frequency.<\/p>\n

Sensorineural hearing loss is the result of damage to these cells, whether from noise exposure, ototoxic drugs or the natural aging process. When a cell becomes damaged, that frequency can no longer be processed, and the brain has to work extra hard to fill in the gaps to understand incoming sounds.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loss & Depression<\/h2>\n

Studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to social isolation and depression in older adults. One of the most common and well-known symptoms of depression is fatigue.<\/p>\n

One survey<\/a> evaluated 2,3000 adults over 50 who had hearing loss. They found that those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, paranoia and social isolation compared to those who wore hearing aids.<\/p>\n

In addition, among those with severe hearing loss, 30% of those who went untreated reported feelings of sadness compared to just 22% of those who sought treatment.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loss & Anxiety<\/h2>\n

As shown by the study above, anxiety is also common among people with hearing loss. When you think about it, it makes sense that hearing loss and anxiety are linked; it is certainly stressful to try not to miss any important information or to fear hearing something incorrectly and responding in a way that is not appropriate.<\/p>\n

Anxiety can cause someone to become stuck in a cycle of hypervigilance, meaning their body has elevated adrenaline levels for an extended amount of time. This can devastate the nervous system and lead to burnout and fatigue.<\/p>\n

For more information or to discuss hearing loss treatment options with an audiologist<\/a>, call the experts at The Hearing & Balance Center today.<\/p>\n

Learn More About Hearing Loss<\/h2>\n