Listening Fatigue: What it is & How to Counter It
Have you heard of listening fatigue?
Certain groups of people are a lot more likely to experience ear fatigue than others. Could you be at risk?
Tiredness and a loss of sensitivity to audible speech are both symptoms of listening fatigue. The confounding feeling of being wiped out, but you know you got a good night’s sleep. You might be confused and frustrated by your symptoms if you have never heard of the condition before. Listening fatigue is something we often see in people with untreated hearing loss.
People with untreated hearing loss are a lot more likely to suffer from listening fatigue than their peers with normal levels of hearing. Even just one day at work, or a vibrant meeting with several people talking can create fatigue in someone struggling with their hearing. This is because the brain is working overtime to interpret and add meaning to the incomplete sentences and sounds the ears are picking up. In fact, three different areas of the brain work together to understand and attribute understanding to speech and sounds.
If you are suffering listening fatigue, it is common that come the end of the day, you might be too worn out to do the things you enjoy. All you want to do is head for the lounge or bed.
In people with hearing loss, the best way forward is undoubtedly to access treatment. Hearing aids can help regain the sounds and noises you are missing, so the brain doesn’t have to struggle so hard each day. Modern hearing aids can also come with features that enable you to focus in on the sounds you want to hear.
If you find yourself feeling listening fatigue symptoms, some of our tips below can help to hit the refresh button:
- Take short breaks throughout the day, even 5-10 minutes away from your noisy environment can help your to have a rest.
- Step outside alone for a walk in a quiet area.
- If your day allows, a power nap is a great way to alleviate fatigue symptoms.
- Hearing aid usage throughout the day.
If you think you might have a hearing loss, come in and see one of our hearing specialists for a hearing check. You can even book an appointment online.
