Hearing loss is experienced by many and can affect various aspects of daily life. The primary consequence of hearing loss is the reduced ability to perceive sound. However, there are other surprising side effects that only science can explain. A typical example is the high prevalence of tinnitus among 90% of people with this condition. Knowing some of these side effects can help you manage them without affecting your quality of life. Below are a few you should note.
- The hidden burden of cognitive strain
According to science, there is a strong connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline. It explains why long-term hearing loss is associated with memory problems, reduced attention span, and lower executive function. A careful study of the brain shows that its cognitive resources are redirected toward processing and deciphering sounds. Therefore, hearing loss leaves fewer resources for other cognitive tasks. Psychologically, this leads to frustration, fatigue, and social withdrawal. The effort you will require to understand conversations in noisy environments can be mentally exhausting.
Moreover, compensating for missed auditory cues can be stressful and may trigger anxiety. Over time, the cumulative effects of cognitive strain can contribute to a further mental decline and increase your risk of dementia. Usually, when this is noticed early, a specialist can provide solutions to mitigate these consequences.
- Tinnitus: The phantom symphony
Tinnitus manifests as a persistent perception of sound, even without external noise. This phantom symphony can be incredibly distressing, often described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing noise. In some cases, it may even be debilitating for persons who experience it. Scientifically speaking, tinnitus is believed to arise from various factors ranging from damage to the hair cells in the inner ear to exposure to loud noise and age-related hearing loss. The brain’s response to tinnitus is a complex interplay between auditory and emotional pathways. Research has shown that when the auditory system detects a lack of external sound, it often stimulates or generates neural activity to compensate for the loss. , resulting in the perception of tinnitus. Additionally, the emotions attached to the tinnitus sound can intensify its impact, leading to a vicious cycle of heightened awareness and distress. On a psychological level, tinnitus can profoundly impact your mental well-being.
Does tinnitus go away on its own? No, it doesn’t, but certain strategies can help manage it, including relaxation techniques, a change in diet, and so on.
- Social isolation
Hearing loss can erect an invisible barrier that separates you from the world, often leading to social isolation, withdrawal, and a diminished quality of life. When hearing loss makes communication challenging, you will likely become uninterested in social interactions. Sometimes, avoiding situations that used to be enjoyable may seem more convenient. Before you know it, feelings of reduced self-esteem and a decreased sense of belonging set in. You may have heard many times that humans are social creatures. Therefore, the more you isolate yourself, the higher your risks of depression and other mental health issues. The communication strain can also negatively impact your relationship with loved ones.
