Audiology Innovations
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Recent research in auditory science is focused on a new area. It’s the relationship between people with hearing loss AND LISTENING FATIGUE.
What is Listening Fatigue? It refers to the mental exhaustion that occurs after prolonged listening, especially in noisy environments. It can lead to:
increased stress and related increased TINNITUS
reduced social engagement because everyday interactions are tiring
Key Research Findings: Researchers like Dr. O’Neill at the University of Iowa and Dr. Lin at Johns Hopkins University are investigating how listening fatigue affects cognitive load. Their studies indicate that people with hearing loss expend significantly more mental effort, resulting in quicker fatigue during conversations.
One of the primary benefits of IMPROVING our hearing with hearing aids is helping to support our auditory system and REDUCE LISTENING FATIGUE.
If you already have hearing aids, be sure to wear them at least 12-15 hours per day. This helps TRAIN your brain to be ready for challenging situations and helps manage the listening fatigue
If you DO NOT but you have hearing loss, it is important to understand that you MAY experience additional fatigue in your day-to-day activities because your brain is working OVERTIME.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
Be kind to yourself, take breaks if you are in a challenging listening environment WHETHER OR NOT you have hearing aids
Get the REST you need, go to bed a bit earlier the night before a bit social event, so you can work a bit harder in those hard listening situations.
ENSURE that your hearing is TUNED up, either with hearing aids you have already, or by seriously considering improving your hearing with hearing aids
