Understanding Hearing Loss and Mental Health
Hearing loss is a condition associated with aging and is on the rise in Canada. This sensory loss is part of the natural and gradual deterioration of physical capabilities in people.
Often characterized as a disability, hearing loss is difficult to control and people who suffer from it have a tendency to isolate themselves and to hide their difficulty.
Hearing loss can have a negative impact on many aspects of a person’s life, one of the main ones being their mental health. Losing your hearing can make communicating and conveying information much more difficult and can lead to misunderstandings. It can also be a major cause of low self-esteem, stress, sadness, or anxiety.
How can we limit the incidental damage of hearing loss to mental health?
The first step is prevention. Act quickly to reduce the effects of sensory disabilities and ensure you stay at the top of your mental game. Most importantly, surround yourself with friends, avoid becoming isolated, take part in activities, or simply talk about your hearing problems with those close to you, to create the biggest support team possible.
Losing your hearing can cause uneasiness and misunderstandings among the people around us. Quickly accepting this new reality helps you find personal balance and a comfortable place among your nears and dears.
Advice
For more information, ask a hearing health professional practicing in a Lobe clinic by calling 1 866 411-LOBE (5623).
