Do you ever feel exhausted after conversing with friends at a dinner party at South Kitchen + Bar? This is a common feeling, especially for people with hearing loss, and is referred to by audiologists as listening fatigue.
What Is Listening Fatigue?
Inside the inner ears are tiny hair cells known as stereocilia. The stereocilia’s job is to convert incoming soundwaves into electrical impulses that travel via the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound. Each cell is responsible for converting a specific frequency or pitch.
When the stereocilia are damaged or destroyed, the auditory system loses the ability to translate that frequency. The brain then has to fill in the blanks.
This means, if you have hearing loss, your brain has to work extra hard to process information from the inner ear; this process can be mentally exhausting.
Strategies for Coping with Listening Fatigue
Here we review some strategies that can help you cope with listening fatigue.
Wear Hearing Aids
Research shows that wearing hearing aids can reduce listening fatigue. According to one 2011 study, wearing hearing aids can improve word recognition, word recall and reaction times. These skills can make it easier to follow along with what is said.
Take Listening Breaks
Taking out your hearing aids for a little while or finding a quiet corner of the office for a break can help reduce the effects of listening fatigue. If you’re at home, perhaps opt for reading a book or journaling instead of watching TV or listening to music.
Practice Deep Breathing
Studies have shown that practicing deep breathing can help clear your mind, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Try taking deep breaths to the count of four next time you’re feeling stressed, frustrated or overwhelmed.
Eliminate Background Noise
It’s notoriously difficult for people with hearing loss to follow conversations over background noise. Next time you’re in a social setting, try turning off any music or finding a quiet place to carry on your conversation.
For more information about the effects of listening fatigue or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Athens today.