Do you feel like you’re constantly worrying or on edge? There are many reasons why people can experience an increase in anxiety. However, you might be surprised to know that hearing loss is one of them.
Hearing Loss Increases Anxiety Symptoms
A study published in 2018 observed 3,928 adults aged 65 and older over a 12-year period. It examined how both hearing loss and vision loss affected anxiety symptoms. Researchers found an increase in anxiety symptoms in participants with hearing loss, but not those with vision loss.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person. They can include:
- Feelings of dread
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking or trembling
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Feeling like you can’t breathe
- Obsessive thoughts
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
Tinnitus Can Worsen Anxiety
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a condition that affects an estimated 50 million Americans. Many people who experience chronic tinnitus can find it very disorienting. Research suggests that tinnitus can make anxiety symptoms more severe.
A review looked at 25 different studies examining anxiety levels in people with hearing loss. It found that higher anxiety levels were tied to both tinnitus and more severe hearing loss.
Worrying About Hearing Health
In addition to physical symptoms, your anxiety might manifest as constantly worrying about your hearing health. You may have thoughts like:
- What if my hearing gets worse?
- What if I can’t follow an important conversation at work?
- What if I misunderstand someone and embarrass myself?
These worries can lead you to isolate from others. The thought of going to a shopping center or a busy [city] restaurant may feel too overwhelming. Unfortunately, isolation can both increase feelings of anxiety and make your hearing loss worse.
Hearing Aids Can Help Reduce Stress
Treating your hearing loss with hearing aids may go a long way toward helping you manage your anxiety. They improve your ability to understand speech and sounds. This can increase your confidence in your ability to interact with others and keep you engaged with the world around you.
Your audiologist can also program your hearing aids to help mask your tinnitus symptoms. This can help reduce anxiety as well.
Your mental health is important. If you feel that hearing loss is increasing your anxiety, don’t delay in getting help.