Communication and social contact are vital for our mental health. With the devastating effects of COVID-19 showing that a lack of human contact and connection can harm our mental health, it’s no shock to discover that hearing loss can have the same effect.

Loneliness and isolation go hand in hand, and being faced with the burden of a new health concern can maximize those feelings.

While many have experienced loneliness in some capacity, social isolation truly can have a lasting impact on our health and well-being. With hearing loss being an increasing issue, we wanted to shine a light on how hearing loss can have an effect on your mental health.

How Hearing Loss Affects Mental Health

A recent study shared on CNN Health examined over two million adults and found that you have a 32 percent higher risk of dying early if you're socially isolated.

Based on a comprehensive meta-analysis, the study analyzed the links between social isolation/loneliness and possible serious health implications.

Hearing loss can often feel uncomfortable when you’re coming to terms with your diagnosis, and it can leave you feeling ostracized when trying to make conversation in bigger groups or louder settings.

When your ability to communicate breaks down, as seen with hearing loss, you can feel frustrated and anxious. These feelings of loneliness can act as chronic stress and negatively impact not only your quality of life but your health too.

Suffering from hearing loss can cause many challenges you’ll need to overcome but, today, communication shouldn’t be one of them. There are lots of treatments available to help you. However, this is a great reminder for us all to be aware of the importance of regular hearing testing.

If you or somebody you know is being affected by their hearing loss and may be losing confidence, it’s important they have their hearing tested. Recognizing these issues early on can minimize some of the anxiety and misinformation around hearing loss.

Encouraging them to get the support they need could make a difference in their life. If you know someone who is reluctant to reach out for help, please share this blog post with them.

How We Can Help You

Knowing and understanding your diagnosis is the first step, and we at Berkeley Hearing Center are on hand to help you.

At Berkeley Hearing Center, we have a dedicated team of experts waiting to help you make an informed decision about your hearing care. 

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We firmly believe that your journey should be a partnership with a team of hearing healthcare professionals you can trust.

Whether you’ve just begun noticing symptoms of hearing loss and you’re looking to have your hearing tested for the first time, or you’re looking to upgrade a current hearing device, or you’re simply looking for some answers, Berkeley Hearing Center can help you.

From hearing tests and tinnitus treatment to advanced hearing technology and hearing protection for musicians, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help you, click here or reach out to us at (510) 841-0681.