Most people feel a little drained by the end of a busy day. However, for the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss, that fatigue may arise faster and stick around longer—a symptom of listening fatigue.
Three Common Sources of Listening Fatigue
There are three common sources of listening fatigue:
- Straining to hear. Straining to understand speech, especially in noisy environments, uses far more mental energy than most people realize. It’s like running a marathon in your head just to keep up with small talk. Hearing aids are vital in reducing this effort, allowing your brain to focus more on meaning and less on decoding sound.
- Adapting to amplified sound. When new hearing aids reintroduce you to sounds you haven’t heard in a while, your brain needs time to recalibrate. This can lead to sensory overload in the early days. It’s perfectly normal to feel drained during this phase. Taking short breaks, finding quiet spaces and gradually increasing your wear time can all help make the transition smoother.
- Emotional exhaustion. Living with untreated hearing loss can make you emotionally exhausted. You might feel frustrated that you can’t hear your friends during busy happy hours at The Barley Hound or worry that your hearing loss will negatively affect your career. Stressful or challenging events can leave you feeling emotionally drained. That emotional exhaustion can drain your physical energy.
Reclaiming Your Energy
Hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live in a state of constant exhaustion. By treating hearing loss early and giving yourself space to adjust to new hearing aids, you can restore your energy and improve your connection to the world around you.
In addition to getting hearing aids, give yourself time to process the emotions associated with hearing loss. You can talk to a qualified mental health professional, join an online community or discuss your worries with friends and family.
A hearing evaluation is the first step toward meaningful relief. Our team is here to help you find clarity. Contact Prescott Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy today to schedule your appointment.