Social Isolation and Hearing Loss: Exploring the Link

Hearing loss isn’t just an condition on its own. It can also be related to other issues, including cognitive decline and social isolation. Experiencing hearing loss affects other parts of a person’s health or lifestyle, especially if allowed to remain untreated for some time. The link between hearing loss and social isolation is particularly important to keep in mind when thinking about how hearing loss can have an impact on someone’s life.

Social isolation and increased loneliness have been linked with increased mortality in older adults, and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are common too. So, what is the link between hearing loss and loneliness, and what can be done about it?

Hearing Loss and Communication

Hearing loss can easily lead to difficulties with communication and socializing. When someone experiences hearing loss, they might find it difficult to understand what people are saying to them. This can cause misunderstandings, frustration and embarrassment at having to ask people to repeat themselves. Being able to communicate is necessary for a range of situations. Not only is it needed to socialize with friends and family, but it’s important for everyday tasks, from making phone calls to going to the store. When you find it hard to understand other people when they’re talking to you, communication can quickly break down.

People experiencing hearing loss can therefore easily experience social isolation due to a number of reasons. They may find it stressful to be in noisy environments with a lot of background noise, which could lead to them spending less time in public places or going to social events. They can struggle with the negative feelings that result from communication issues, such as frustration, stress and embarrassment, causing them to prefer to keep to themselves as much as possible. In addition, other people could become frustrated too, and find it tough to continue trying to communicate with someone with untreated hearing loss.

Increased loneliness

Loneliness is a significant issue for people experiencing hearing loss. It’s an issue that already affects older people due to a number of reasons, and hearing loss may only make it worse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even more people with hearing loss than usual reported feeling lonely and isolated. Loneliness is not just a problem on its own, but can also cause other problems. People who are lonely can feel depressed and anxious, and loneliness can even affect their physical health. People who experience loneliness long-term may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. It could also make heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline and poor sleep more likely.

What can be done about loneliness caused by hearing loss?

Fortunately, neither hearing loss nor loneliness are unsolvable problems. Both issues can be addressed to help prevent social isolation and allow people with hearing loss to live life to the fullest. When someone has hearing loss, the most important thing to do is to treat it as soon as possible. Hearing loss can’t be cured, but it can be treated and people can be given methods to cope with their hearing loss.

The first step to address hearing loss is to get a hearing test for an accurate diagnosis. Discovering the extent of the hearing loss and considering possible causes provides a starting point for the right treatment. Some people may be unaware that they have hearing loss, or could be in denial about it. It’s not unusual to be reluctant to get a hearing test, especially as some people see it as a sign of aging and a loss of independence. However, the sooner it can be detected, the sooner it can be treated.

Hearing aids and other assistive listening devices can benefit people experiencing hearing loss, and allow them to get their social life back. When choosing hearing aids, they can discuss their lifestyle needs with their audiologist to get the right product to meet their requirements. Hearing aids can take a little time to adjust to, but they can soon change the way that you are able to interact with others.

It’s also important for the friends, family and coworkers of people with hearing loss to be understanding. Doing simple things like making sure to face them when speaking or being patient can have a positive impact. Avoid shouting or speaking too loudly, but try to slow down and be clear so you’re not speaking too fast.

Find out more about hearing loss and how Pittsburgh Ear can help by calling our Wexford office: 412-348-8194, our Pittsburgh office: 412-348-8016 or our Monroeville office: 412-348-8195.