One of the biggest negative effects of hearing loss is that it makes it harder to communicate with others. Social relationships keep us happy, healthy and connected to the world around us. When we start to lose that, it can take a toll on our mental and physical health.
Thankfully, the right pair of hearing aids can help increase social activity.
How Hearing Loss Makes Socializing More Difficult 
Hearing loss makes it harder to follow conversations. This is because, in most cases of hearing loss, your ability to hear higher-pitched sounds is one of the first things to be affected. This includes a lot of speech, including most consonant sounds.
In cases of mild to moderate hearing loss, you may still be able to understand what people are saying in quiet environments. However, if you’re out to dinner with friends at a busy restaurant like The Observatory, the background noise can make it harder to follow conversations.
Loneliness, Isolation and Hearing Loss
If you have trouble hearing, you may start to feel anxious or frustrated by your struggles to socialize with others. Additionally, you may find you experience listening fatigue from having to work so hard to follow conversations.
Many start to withdraw and isolate rather than put themselves in situations where they can’t hear what is being said.
Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and put a strain on existing relationships. Not only that, but by not interacting with others, you deprive your brain of the stimulation that conversation gives. This can lead to both worsening hearing loss and even may contribute to cognitive decline.
Studies Show Hearing Aids Can Increase Social Activity
A study published in 2021 examined 53 participants with hearing loss who were fitted with hearing aids against 53 others who also had hearing loss but received no treatment. After six months, researchers found that compared to the control group, those with hearing aids experienced:
- Reduced listening fatigue
- Increased social activity
- Decreased social participation restriction
Why Hearing Aids Help
Hearing aids amplify sounds and help you to better understand speech. This reduces strain on your brain and gives you confidence in your ability to communicate with others. This confidence can translate into taking the lead at work meetings, spending more quality time with your family and other loved ones, or trying new activities that involve socializing with others.
Don’t let hearing loss keep you away from what you love. Call the experts at PDX ENT today for more information or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test.
