Considering our hearing system involves both the brain and ears, it makes sense that hearing loss is connected with mental health.

The link between the two is complex. Hearing loss can contribute to mental health issues (including fatigue, anxiety and depression), but it isn’t the only and definite cause of these issues.

Unlike many factors that contribute to mental health, hearing loss is a tangible challenge that can often be managed through technology and therapy. It is one aspect that you can control to improve your mental well-being.

Mental health effects of hearing loss

For many people, the effects of hearing loss are noticeable. They may struggle to understand what other people are saying in a group conversation. Or they always have to turn up the volume of the television.

For others, the effects of hearing loss may not be perceivable. A gradual onset of hearing loss can make it challenging to notice the changes. It is not uncommon for family members or friends to notice hearing loss in a loved one before they acknowledge it.

The mental health effects of hearing loss are often invisible.

Cognitive decline

While not yet fully understood, some researchers are seeing a link between hearing loss and mild forms of cognitive decline. There are a few theories as to why cognitive decline may be associated with hearing loss. Hearing loss often interferes with interpersonal communication, either directly or by causing people to avoid social interactions that would stimulate the brain further. 

Other researchers have investigated how hearing loss causes the brain to work harder to comprehend sound signals that are weaker or incomplete. Research is still ongoing in this area.

Anxiety and depression

Hearing loss can contribute to anxiety and depression due to how it impacts our day-to-day lives and relationships.

Those with hearing loss may miss out on conversations with loved ones or prefer to avoid social events. They may have trouble working, be unable to perform sports that require instruction and even have trouble watching movies with friends and family. Some who experience hearing loss feel a sense of shame and avoid situations that are uncomfortable. 

Hearing loss is often just one compounding factor of many when it comes to anxiety and depression. Even if hearing loss is unperceivable, it can contribute to unnecessary stress.

Isolation and loneliness

Isolation and loneliness are common effects of hearing loss. For many people, it is easier to stay at home and avoid situations where hearing is challenging.

Fatigue

Fatigue is associated with hearing loss because the brain has to work harder to hear and comprehend speech. This can lead to physical and cognitive exhaustion.

How hearing aids contribute to mental well-being

The connection between hearing loss and mental health is explained by the relationship between the brain and ears. When hearing loss is present, the brain receives incomplete or weaker sound signals from the ears. The brain has to work harder to comprehend these signals and fill in any gaps.

This additional cognitive effort and strain can contribute to exhaustion and fatigue. Recurring exhaustion can compound with the effects of hearing loss to contribute to social isolation, anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, brains are incredibly adaptable. Hearing aids can improve the quality and clarity of sound signals, so the brain doesn’t need to work as hard to process the sound signals. Hearing aids can minimize the cognitive load, which can reduce or remove some factors that lead to exhaustion, fatigue, social isolation, anxiety and depression.

Treating hearing loss as early as possible can help to improve mental well-being. Just as the brain adapts to hearing loss, it also has to adapt to hearing aids. The earlier you start wearing hearing aids, the sooner your brain can learn to leverage the improved quality of sound signals.

Hearing health is in your control

Many factors that are associated with mental health are out of your control, but you can

manage your hearing loss.

Book a hearing test with us today to understand the state of your hearing system. If you notice a loved one or friend with hearing challenges, encourage them to get a hearing test. They may not even notice their hearing loss and the effects it has on their daily life, so the results of a hearing test can provide clarity and comfort.