We all have things that cause us stress in life. It’s just a part of being human! If you have hearing loss, you might feel stressed about missing important information at work or frustrated by the increased miscommunications you are having with your spouse or partner.
The good news is that hearing aids can help relieve that stress and let you return to enjoying your life more fully.
Hearing Aids Have Been Shown to Improve Mental Health 
Research has shown that people with hearing loss can improve their mental health by using hearing aids. One study had 31 elderly patients fill out a questionnaire assessing their psychological stress response before and after being fitted for hearing aids. Researchers found that “scores for depression, anxiety and anger were significantly lower after the hearing aid had been fitted.”
Three Reasons Why Hearing Aids Reduce Stress Levels
- Hearing aids can reduce social anxiety and isolation. Because hearing loss makes communication with others more difficult, many people with the condition have increased levels of social anxiety in social situations. This can, unfortunately, lead some to start avoiding spending time with others and begin to isolate. However, strong social connections are a pillar of staying happy and healthy. Hearing aids make chatting with friends at dinner or meeting up with your book club at Albina Press easier. This strengthens your connections and eases stress.
- Hearing aids make it easier to stay physically active. Physical activity isn’t just good for your body but for your mind as well. This is because exercise increases your endorphins, gives you more energy and improves your sleep quality. Hearing aids help you stay active because they help you orient yourself to your surroundings and may even improve your balance. This lowers your risk of a fall and helps you feel confident in your movements.
- Hearing aids may reduce tinnitus. Tinnitus, otherwise known as a ringing in the ears, is very common in people with hearing loss. It can also be incredibly disruptive for some people, leading to increased anxiety and poor sleep. If tinnitus is related to hearing loss, hearing aids can help you find relief from your symptoms, thereby reducing your stress levels.
To learn more about the ways hearing aids can benefit you, call the experts at Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy today.