Hearing Loss and Anxiety: How Are They Related?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear ranging from mild to severe. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and several things can trigger it. For some people, anxiety can be a daily struggle that interferes with their ability to live a normal life.

How Does Anxiety Affect Hearing?

When you're in an anxious state, your body is focused on protecting you from the perceived threat. This means that your brain is less concentrated on other functions like processing and interpreting sound. Anxiety can also cause you to tense up your muscles, making it difficult for sound to travel from your outer ear to your inner ear.

Anxiety is a common problem that affects millions of people of all ages. According to a study conducted at JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, the incidence of having an affective illness, such as depression or anxiety, was found to be 14.3 per 1000 people per year, as opposed to 9.1 per 1000 people per year in those with normal hearing. Anxiety can significantly impact your life, and it can be challenging to manage if you also have hearing issues.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety differently, and there are many possible risk factors for hearing loss. However, a few symptoms of anxiety related to hearing loss include:

• Feeling tense or on edge.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Feeling irritable or restless.
• Avoiding situations or places that might trigger anxiety.

Measures to Prevent Anxiety Symptoms

If you have hearing loss and anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

• It's important to understand that anxiety is normal and that it's okay to feel anxious sometimes.
• You can try to identify what triggers your anxiety and avoid those situations if possible.
• You can work with a therapist or counselor to help you learn how to manage your stress.

Hearing Loss Risk Factors for People with Anxiety

Check out the impact of anxiety on hearing loss. They usually occur during an anxiety attack. Anxiety symptoms may accelerate different hearing-related issues, such as:

• Failing to hear specific frequencies or sounds.
• The regular feeling of blockage and tightness in the ear.
• Deafness.
• The regular feeling of misunderstanding other’s points.

Prevention Tips and Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

There is no possible prevention for hearing loss, but a few things can be done to help treat it. One option is to get a hearing aid, which can help amplify sound and make it easier to hear. Another option is to get cochlear implants, which can help people with severe hearing loss to hear again. A few effortless things, like counseling, can help people learn how to deal with their anxiety. Another option is to take medication, which can help people relax and feel less anxious.

How Can Hearing Aid Help with Anxiety?

If you suffer from anxiety, hearing aids can help in several ways:

• They can amplify sounds, which can help you feel more alert and aware of your surroundings. This can be particularly helpful if you struggle with anxiety in crowded or noisy places.
• Hearing aids can help you communicate more easily with others, reducing your anxiety levels.
• Hearing aids can help you stay connected to your social support network, providing comfort and reassurance.

Need Help in Resolving Your Hearing Issues? Contact Hoffmann Audiology

If you are experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance problems, we recommend seeing an audiologist. Dr. Hoffmann can help you by providing comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and counseling to help you and your loved ones better understand your hearing loss and how to manage it. Contact us today at Hoffmann Audiology in Irvine, CA to get your hearing treatment.