4 Ways to Reduce Listening Fatigue

Hearing loss can cause various side effects, including fatigue, which is often overlooked or attributed to other causes.

Studies have shown that people with hearing loss can feel more tired because of the extra effort they exert in trying to hear. In this article, we’ll discuss listening fatigue and how it can make you feel exhausted, and give you four ways to help minimise the effects.

What is listening fatigue?

Listening is not a passive experience; it is a complex mental and physical process. For someone with normal hearing, it is usually an effortless process, but for those with hearing loss, it requires far more concentration, focus, and cognitive resources. This extra effort is known as listening fatigue, which can leave you feeling drained and tired without really knowing why.

How can listening fatigue be reduced?

Take a Mental Break: If you find yourself getting overwhelmed from trying to communicate, taking a break can help restore your energy and give your brain time to recover. Quiet time, coupled with deep breathing exercises or meditation, can be beneficial.

Reduce Background Noise: Reducing background noise can help lower the amount of effort you use in trying to hear. Turning off or lowering other sources of sound, such as televisions or radios, can help. If you’re in a noisy environment like a restaurant, asking to sit in a quieter area can also help reduce listening fatigue.

Choose Quieter Activities: Giving your brain a rest can help reduce your fatigue levels. Choosing quieter activities such as reading instead of watching TV or taking a walk can be helpful.

Wear a Properly Fitted Hearing Aid: One of the most effective ways to reduce listening fatigue is by using a properly fitted hearing aid. A hearing aid can assist at the frequencies you struggle with and reduce the effort it takes to listen, thus reducing the cognitive load on your brain.

Hearing loss can cause fatigue, which can be minimised by taking a mental break, reducing background noise, choosing quieter activities, and using a properly fitted hearing aid like the Vibe Air. If you're interested in exploring the option of getting your first hearing aid, get in touch with one of our stockists today.

Vika D, Contributor