How to Avoid Social Isolation When You Have Hearing Loss
It’s extremely common for people with untreated hearing loss to experience feelings of loneliness. Unfortunately, when you feel this way, it can, in turn, cause you to withdraw socially from people and activities you once loved. Social isolation is a well-known risk factor for depression and even dementia, which is why it’s important to do what you can to combat it. We review tips for this below.
Reach out to Loved Ones
Your friends and family care about your well-being, and they want to be there for you if you’re struggling. However, they may not know you’re having a hard time with feelings of loneliness and social isolation unless you communicate this to them. Try inviting a loved one or two over to your home, where it’s quiet, and talk to them about the challenges you face with your hearing loss. Let them know how they can best support you.
A lot of people think of hearing loss is something that is not very common, but the truth is that approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) ages 18 and over report some trouble hearing according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Hearing loss also increases with age; about one in three people in the U.S. between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 experience difficulty hearing, according to the NIDCD.
Hearing impairment is often a slow and gradual process that can begin as early as your 40s, and many people don’t realize that it’s happening until it is severe enough to cause issues in their day-to-day life.
Use Communication Strategies
You can try the following communication strategies, whether you’re talking to a close loved one or a casual acquaintance. Don’t be afraid to speak up about what accommodations would be helpful for you.
You can…
- Face them directly
- Hang out somewhere with good lighting
- Avoid eating while talking
- Turn off music, the television or other background noise
- Take turns speaking and not interrupting
They can…
- Speak more clearly and slowly than usual, but still naturally
- Say your name or touch your arm before they begin speaking to you
- Use simple sentences and rephrase rather than repeat after a misunderstanding
- Provide written materials for instructions or directions
Rediscover an Old Hobby
Picking up a new hobby can be intimidating but rediscovering an old one can bring back wonderful memories. Consider what hobbies you enjoyed when you were younger, like playing an instrument or going for walks on our sunny California beaches. You could also join a group with other like-minded people.
See an Audiologist
If you are experiencing hearing loss and haven’t yet seen an audiologist, know that according to one study, “Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.”
Amazing Hearing
There’s no reason to live with untreated hearing loss. Schedule a hearing test with Amazing Hearing, so you can get help as soon as possible. We provide comprehensive hearing health services, from tests to hearing aid fittings. Contact us today to learn more!
