The Psychological Effects of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is much more than difficulty hearing – there are also serious psychological effects that can result. If you are losing your hearing or love someone who is, you should be aware of these effects. Here are just a few things that a patient with hearing loss is dealing with – have you noticed any of these problems in yourself or a loved one?

Social phobia

It can be embarrassing to be out in public when you can’t hear everything that is happening and when you have to keep asking people to repeat themselves. Eventually, the patient with hearing loss may decide it isn’t worth it, and they won’t bother going out at all. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Difficulty concentrating

When you are struggling to hear everything around you and trying to keep up with conversations, it can make it difficult to really concentrate on what you are doing, whether you are at work, school, or in a social situation. This can make it hard to learn new tasks or to remember how to do old tasks.

Anxiety

If you can’t hear everything that’s going on around you, you may not only start to become socially anxious but anxious about your safety when you are out in public. Again, someone with hearing loss may decide just to stay home, missing out on activities they used to enjoy.

Depression

Hearing loss can make someone feel old, frustrated, and worried. This, together with the social isolation, difficulty at work, and anxiety that comes with leaving the house can lead to depression. Depression, in turn, can lead to less energy, less interest in life, and even lack of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

As you can see, hearing loss is serious for a variety of reasons, but Lakeside Allergy Ear Nose and Throat can help, beginning with a hearing evaluation. If you need a hearing aid, they can help with that, too! There is no reason to go through life with a hearing problem and all of the issues that can come with it. Call (972) 771-5443 today for an appointment at the Rockwall and Forney office.