Have you ever felt unusually drained by seemingly easy activities, like chatting with a colleague or eating a family dinner at the Bouldin Creek Cafe? It’s a common experience, but for those with hearing loss, there’s an extra layer of exhaustion known as listening fatigue. This phenomenon comes in two forms: the effort it takes to listen and the adjustment to new hearing aids.
Understanding Listening Fatigue
One study showed that individuals with hearing loss experience significantly more fatigue from the effort to listen than those without hearing loss. Identifying why this fatigue occurs is the first step in minimizing its impact on your life.
Exploring the Causes of Listening Fatigue
Both the strain of trying to listen and the adjustment period for new hearing aids can sap your energy. Recognizing what leads to this fatigue and how to boost your energy is key. Here’s a closer look at each cause and strategies to manage them:
Effort-Related Fatigue
The mental and physical toll of trying to listen when you have hearing loss is substantial. Straining to catch speech, communicate effectively and remain alert to your environment can be exhausting. Hearing aids are a powerful ally in this battle, enhancing speech while diminishing background noise and thus lessening the need for strenuous listening. If you’re feeling worn out by daily interactions, a hearing assessment with an audiologist is often the first step in boosting your energy.
Adjusting to New Hearing Aids
While hearing aids can greatly diminish the effort it takes to understand the world around you, acclimating to your new devices can introduce a different kind of fatigue as your brain adjusts to amplified sounds that were previously inaudible. What were once insignificant noises may now seem intrusive. Things as small as hearing the toilet lid close or putting a stack of dishes in your kitchen cabinet can initially feel like an annoyance. If your hearing aids leave you feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take brief breaks to rest your ears. While consistent use is important, so is your comfort.
Embracing hearing aids while allowing yourself time to adjust can help you overcome listening fatigue and boost your energy. Don’t let tiredness keep you from fully participating in your world. For a hearing test and treatment consultation, contact Austin Auditory Specialists today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.