Sometimes, it can feel like everything in your life is deliberately trying to stress you out. From work or school to taking care of kids and driving in traffic, your list of stressors may feel difficult to manage. If you’re among the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss, you might have even more stressors on your plate.
Let’s take a look at how hearing loss can contribute to stress and anxiety and what you can do to find some calm in your life.
How Can Hearing Loss Contribute to Anxiety and Stress?
One 2019 review of 25 studies found that individuals with hearing loss often experience higher levels of anxiety. The extra mental effort required to follow conversations can leave you feeling drained and constantly stressed or anxious. But the good news is that there are ways to ease these challenges and reclaim your confidence.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
A few ways you can manage hearing loss-related stress and anxiety include:
- Stay active. Exercise is a natural stress reliever. When you move your body, your brain releases endorphins—chemicals that help improve mood and reduce stress. Whether it’s a morning jog, a Stretch yoga session or a peaceful walk in the park, incorporating at least 20 minutes of activity into your day can make a difference in how you feel.
- Improve your sleep habits. Lack of quality sleep can worsen anxiety and make stress harder to manage. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If falling asleep is challenging, try reducing screen time before bed, playing soothing music, reading a book or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation to wind down.
- Talk to a mental health professional. You don’t have to navigate hearing loss alone. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional can provide you with valuable tools to manage stress.
- Talk to your family and friends. Open communication with loved ones can make social interactions easier. A few ways your loved ones can help improve communication ease include choosing quieter places for get-togethers, facing you while speaking to improve clarity and repeating or rephrasing words when necessary.
- Consider hearing aids. Hearing aids aren’t a direct treatment for stress and anxiety, but they can significantly improve communication, reducing misunderstandings and social anxiety. When conversations feel more natural, you’re more likely to stay engaged and confident in social settings.
If hearing loss is affecting your emotional well-being, contact Sound Advice today to talk to one of our specialists about your treatment options.