In this post, we’re going to discover how ASMR for the hearing impaired works and how this simple phenomenon could bring you relief.
If you’re new to the world of ASMR, you may be wondering what exactly it is. It’s a term that describes a tingling or goosebumps sensation that some folk get in response to certain visual or audio stimuli.
This tingly sensation can help people feel less anxious and more relaxed. What’s more, one peer-reviewed study (1) found that ASMR can even slow the heart rate.
Of course, we’re all unique, so what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next. That’s why you can find audio and visual ASMR media for every taste under the sun, from watching someone having their hair brushed through to listening to whispering or crunching sounds.
Many people report that triggering ASMR through these means can help with issues such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and chronic headaches.
It stands to reason that ASMR could help with the stress and anxiety associated with hearing loss and impairment such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Anecdotally, many people with tinnitus have reported that watching or listening to ASMR media helps them relax and take a break from the noises that they hear.
Tinnitus can be a distressing condition where sufferers constantly hear a ringing, whistling or whooshing sound in one or both ears. It can also be associated with hearing loss and can be a distressing reminder that they have an impairment.
It’s believed that listening to ASMR sounds can help people with tinnitus “switch off” from the sounds they hear and refocus on more pleasant noises.
This isn’t too far removed from longer-established tinnitus sound therapy, which can include listening to relaxing external sounds or white noise.
If you’re new to the world of ASMR, getting started is really simple. Simply go online to your favourite social media channel and search for ASMR. You’ll be offered a selection of videos designed to trigger ASMR. You can even search for “ASMR tinnitus relief” to find videos for your condition.
Have a scroll through and see which ones appeal to you. Some people enjoy listening to someone crunching into a juicy apple — but this might be a total turnoff to someone else! Instead, you might find relief in videos showing running water or cats purring.
Remember to listen to your ASMR videos at a low volume to avoid damaging your hearing.
You should also bear in mind that if you’re living with hearing loss or tinnitus, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose you and advise on other ways to make life easier — for example, by selecting a hearing aid that works for your lifestyle.
ASMR is definitely worth a try if you’re bothered by tinnitus and associated hearing impairment — as long as you listen at low volumes, it’s safe and side effect free.
If you’ve noticed any issues with your hearing or an annoying ringing noise in your ears, it’s best to get checked out by a hearing healthcare professional.
Here at Connect Hearing, you can get a hearing test or receive help and advice with your tinnitus at one of our 300+ clinics across Australia.
Whatever your hearing issues, we’re here to listen — so get in touch today for a friendly and professional ear!
References
- Poerio G, Blaker E, Hostler T, Veltri T. ‘More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology,’ PLoS ONE 13(6): e0196645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645.