How Hearing Loss Can Affect Everyday Life - Find out how to get the help you need

How does hearing loss affect everyday life?

 It’s easy to take our hearing for granted but when something does go wrong it can dramatically affect our lives

The effects of hearing loss

Hearing loss impacts everyday life by hindering communication, causing social isolation, and increasing misunderstandings. It can lead to difficulties in following conversations, especially in noisy environments, affecting relationships and work performance. Additionally, it may cause emotional distress, frustration, and a decreased sense of safety and independence.

Don't wait for hearing loss to affect your life

It’s easy to take our hearing for granted but when something does go wrong it can dramatically affect our day to day lives. The negative impact on work life and social life, loss of confidence and impacted relationships all result in reduced quality of life.

However, help is at hand! Once hearing loss has been identified and formally diagnosed, treatment can begin and the quality of life lost can be regained. Read on for the symptoms, effects on daily life and how those with hearing loss can be treated and supported in their everyday lives.

 How hearing loss can affect everyday life

Hearing loss signs

Difficulty communicating

Hearing loss can make it difficult to understand what others are saying, especially in noisy environments. This can lead to misunderstandings, social isolation, and even depression.

There are typical symptoms we expect to notice with hearing loss, the obvious being muffled hearing or ringing in the ears, usually associated with tinnitus. However, hearing loss may not be sudden onset but rather a slow progression. So, although you might expect someone to clearly notice they are losing their hearing, often it can be friends or loved ones who spot the signs first.

Whether they are asking people to repeat themselves or misunderstanding conversations, struggling on the phone or having the volume on the TV higher than normal, it is easy to try to carry on as usual without realising the effect it is having on everyday life, the result of which can be detrimental to both physical and emotional well-being.

From a safety point fo view, hearing loss can make it difficult to hear alarms, sirens, and other warning signals. This can put you in danger in situations such as driving, crossing the street, or using public transportation.

 How can hearing loss affect your confidence?

Hearing loss and its impact on self-esteem

The emotional impact of hearing loss

Hearing loss can cause feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression and can lead to social isolation.  Emotional problems can arise because of a drop in self-esteem and confidence.

Many people struggle to accept their hearing loss and may initially be in denial. Some may feel they have lost a part of their identity or be resistant to the perceived cost or inconvenience of hearing aids as they aren’t familiar with the technology.

Unlike the hearing loss of hearing in a child, who may have grown up using hearing aids, adapting their way of life and coping mechanisms from a young age, for adults newly facing hearing the challenges can be daunting.

 Can hearing loss affect work life?

Hearing loss in the workplace

Reduced job performance

Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with colleagues and customers, leading to a decrease in job performance and job satisfaction.  People with hearing loss can unfortunately experience access to fewer educational and job opportunities due to impaired communication.

Their work may also suffer, and, although employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for those with hearing impairment, they can only make the appropriate accommodations with the correct information.

A professional diagnosis can help both the employer and employee navigate the workplace to ensure support and equal opportunities are available for those with hearing loss.

Can hearing loss cause other health problems?

Negative physical impacts of hearing loss

The health problems caused by hearing loss

Hearing loss can cause other unexpected health problems, for example, undiagnosed problems with the ears can also cause balance issues and dizziness. The ‘ringing’ in the ears associated with tinnitus has been known to cause insomnia.

Another physical effect reported is fatigue, feeling tired and stressed from having to concentrate harder than normal on listening, which can also compound a lower mood and worsen social withdrawal.

Studies have also shown that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. This may be because the brain has to work harder to process sounds, which can lead to mental fatigue and decreased cognitive function.

How can I help someone with hearing loss?

How to support someone with hearing loss in their day-to-day life

Our tips for supporting our loved ones with hearing loss

Relationships can become strained if you have hearing loss.  Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with family and friends, leading to misunderstandings and strained relationships.  But, through educational awareness, understanding and trust - all can work together to find the right audiologist and treatment.

Your friend or loved one has just been diagnosed with hearing loss. It’s important to remember in addition to dealing with a life-altering condition, the condition itself may have isolated them from the very support network that would help them manage their new situation. So, what can you do to help?

For friends and relatives:

• When talking try to remember to face your friend or loved one
• Be patient! Getting used to hearing aids, and ensuring levels and fit are correct can take time
• Choose quieter places to meet such as smaller cafes over loud bars
• Offer to accompany them to audiology appointments or assist with technology if they find all the new information overwhelming

For employers:

• Check out the wide range of assistive technologies available
• Provide a quiet working space
• Consider a hearing loop
• Be accommodating for audiology appointments

Can you lead a normal life with hearing loss?

 Hearing loss treatment

How to seek professional help with your hearing loss

Yes, it is possible to live a normal life with hearing loss! Regain control of your hearing health, don’t miss out on conversations again and see the improvement in both mental and physical health. Access hearing loss treatment by taking advantage of our free hearing tests in the convenience of your own home.

With a proper diagnosis from our audiologists we will support you throughout your hearing loss journey, we can help you choose the best hearing aids for your situation and offer a comprehensive aftercare service. The negative impacts of hearing loss no longer need to affect your day to day, life whether it’s at work life, home life or social life we’ve got you covered.

In conclusion

Hearing loss can have a significant impact on your everyday life.  Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for hearing loss to improve your quality of life and avoid the negative consequences of untreated hearing loss.

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