Feeling Anxious? Hearing Loss Might be The Culprit

We know that hearing loss has a significant impact on all aspects of life, but recent research shows us that there are also links between depression, anxiety and hearing loss. 

Many people mistake anxiety for a general worry, except anxiety is much more worrisome. Typically, when we experience anxiety, we have a heightened sense that we are in danger. Usually, the anxiety will subside when the associated dangers have passed. However, with hearing-related anxiety, the reduced hearing causes the anxiety to remain. 

Anxiety presents itself emotionally and physically, including nausea, heart palpitations, insomnia, dizziness and sweating. Being overwhelmed, stressed, upset and anger may also present with anxiety. Hearing loss typically begins to happen slowly, and then when it is noticeable – the person with hearing loss may only then notice other things associated with it.

Why Does Hearing Loss Trigger Anxiety?

As hearing loss becomes more prominent, the person with hearing loss might begin to ask what did you day? more often. Over time this can feel like a burden – even though it’s completely fine. 

However, the idea that hearing loss is irritating other people or making you more difficult to be around can trigger anxiety. This can be further compounded by worry that people will stop inviting you to dinner parties or that you will not be able to interact with your friends and family well anymore. Unfortunately, the anxiety about hearing loss can be made worse by the perceived impact on friends and family.

Can Anxiety Make Hearing Loss Worse?

Many studies link hearing loss to increase anxiety, but some studies look at the impact of anxiety on hearing loss. Anxiety symptoms may present themselves in a range of different hearing-related issues such as: 

• Diminished hearing
• Inability to hear specific frequencies or sounds
• The feeling of stuffy or blocked ears or ear
• Fullness and pressure within the ear
• Deafness in the ear, or reduced hearing accompanying the feeling the ear is blocked.

These can be felt in one or both ears, and they usually arise during an anxiety attack or high anxiety moments. The stress response accompanying anxiety heightens our senses, which is usually a good thing. Yet, our ears are also impacted by that anxiety, and they become the least important, which can cause auditory exclusion. 

Hearing loss and anxiety can be one of the most challenging combinations as they are both impacted by each other. 

What Can I Do About My Hearing Loss and Anxiety? 

One of the first things that you should understand is that you are not alone regarding your hearing loss or anxiety. The more you feel alone, the more likely you will begin to isolate yourself. 

People with hearing loss who isolate themselves are more likely to have depression and feel a deep sense of isolation – which can further increase anxiety. If you know that hearing loss is the cause of anxiety, then the first thing that you need to do is book a hearing test. When you have completed your hearing test, you will be presented with a range of options that greatly improve your hearing experience. 

A hearing instrument specialist can evaluate the most common types of hearing loss and dispense a hearing aid to meet the needs of the person with hearing loss. 

Can a Hearing Aid Help My Anxiety?

After your appointment, you will be able to discuss all of the types of hearing aids that are available. Adjusting to wearing a hearing aid might take a short while. Although the hearing aid will often be shown to you in detail, and you will learn the configurations while in the office, you might take a little while to adjust. 

Once you have adjusted to your hearing aid, you will hear people, the TV, movies and your phone calls perfectly. Being able to hear those around you and participate in conversations will mean that your anxiety and worry about missing important communication will reduce. 

Many people with hearing loss weren’t aware of that without a hearing aid; they were experiencing high stress and fatigue levels. Our brains work extra hard when they know that some sensory functions are missing. 

Hearing aids can give wearers a sense of confidence and enable them to take part in social activities, work meetings and everyday life. Once you have the proper treatment or hearing device in place, you will quickly notice that your anxiety is reduced and you have a most enjoyable full life. If you want to discuss your hearing requirements, call Hearing Well Matters at (647) 247-2704.