{"id":1115,"date":"2020-10-15T10:42:33","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T17:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/?p=1115"},"modified":"2020-10-15T10:43:45","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T17:43:45","slug":"how-social-distancing-affects-people-with-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/how-social-distancing-affects-people-with-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"How Social Distancing Affects People with Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tough time for everyone across the globe. From anxiety about getting sick to missing loved ones due to quarantine, it seems everyone has been affected. People with hearing loss<\/a> may be especially feeling the effects of loneliness and isolation caused by social distancing guidelines.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loss, Loneliness & Social Isolation<\/h2>\n

\"Man<\/h2>\n

According to Jonathan J. Suen, Au.D<\/a>., from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, \u201cIt was not surprising to learn that numerous studies show a significant connection between hearing loss, loneliness, and social isolation\u2026 Even anecdotal assumptions about a link make sense because we know that hearing loss affects our communication patterns, which therefore can impact our relationships with others.\u201d<\/p>\n

One particular concern is the increased reliance on remote communication technologies.<\/p>\n

People with hearing loss can no longer put a voice to the face, and sound distortion while e-conferencing makes it difficult to distinguish who is talking and what\u2019s being said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a result, individuals with hearing loss risk (1) being disruptive if they ask for clarification, (2) being misinformed if they misinterpret speech content, and\/or (3) being disengaged if they cope by avoiding active participation in these communication forums,\u201d explained Archelle Georgiou, M.D., chief health officer at Starkey.<\/p>\n

These factors can leave people less able and less willing to communicate, leading to social withdrawal, isolation and loneliness \u2013 all are risk factors for anxiety and depression, which hearing loss sufferers are at an increased risk of developing even without a pandemic.<\/p>\n

Tips for Staying Connected<\/h2>\n

Fortunately, there are strategies for staying connected<\/a> and preventing feelings of loneliness:<\/p>\n