Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are complicated matters. While social isolation refers to the lack of contact between you and other people, you can feel lonely when you’re surrounded by people. For those with hearing loss, social isolation and feelings of loneliness are often amplified.
One 2009 study found that for those with hearing loss, feelings of loneliness increase by as much as 7% for each decibel reduction in hearing. While more research is needed to determine whether hearing aids can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness specifically, there are several ways they can improve your social experiences to prevent social isolation.
Hearing Aids Give You a Confidence Boost
When we struggle to understand conversation over the clatter of dishes and neighboring tables at South Kitchen + Bar, it can leave us feeling underconfident in future social situations. Hearing aids can help restore your confidence by amplifying speech sounds and reducing background noise to help you actively participate in outings with friends and loved ones.
Hearing Aids Reduce Miscommunication
Misunderstanding words and phrases can contribute to communication issues and make social isolation feel easier. With the clarity hearing aids provide, you can prevent misunderstandings from becoming central to your time with friends.
Hearing Aids Improve Your Energy
Hearing loss increases the mental effort it takes to understand those around you, leaving you with little energy for social activities. By decreasing communication effort, hearing aids let you preserve that extra mental energy you need to attend after-work gatherings, nights out with friends and dinners with your family.
Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from the use of hearing aids. Hearing aids can fill you with confidence, cut down on miscommunications and improve your energy for easier socializing. In addition to taking advantage of these devices, don’t be afraid to lean on your friends, family and coworkers. Feel confident in asking them to speak up or move gatherings to quieter environments.
By combining hearing aids with the help of those closest to you, social isolation and loneliness don’t need to take over your life.
To learn more about the benefits of hearing aids or schedule a fitting and counseling appointment with one of our trusted specialists, contact ENT of Athens today.