What Is Listening Fatigue?

Listening fatigue occurs when the strain of hearing and processing sound leaves you mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. 

Consider this example: You’re at a family reunion where everyone is chatting away while music plays in the background. Though you’re doing your best to follow the conversation, it takes considerable effort to catch every word. When you finally leave for the night, you’re completely wiped out. That’s listening fatigue in action. 


Why Does Listening Fatigue Affect People With Hearing Loss?

The brain has to work harder to interpret sound when hearing loss is present, resulting in fatigue more quickly than in those without hearing loss.

Research shows that people with hearing loss report higher rates of fatigue than those with without. Here’s why:1,2

  • Increased effort: when we experience changes in our hearing, our brain must focus more intensely on deciphering speech. This extra effort can be mentally draining. 
  • Background noise: filtering out background sounds while trying to catch essential words requires constant mental effort, which can be exhausting.
  • Social situations: in group settings, following conversations becomes a challenge. This constant striving to keep up can also contribute to listening fatigue.


Top Tips For Managing Listening Fatigue

If you’re struggling with listening fatigue, there are strategies to help overcome the exhaustion. Consider these top tips:

  • Embrace a nap: research suggests that a 20-30-minute nap improves alertness and performance. The best part is that it won’t interfere with your nighttime routine.3
  • Practice mindfulness: mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or going for a walk in nature, can help your mind relax and reduce stress.
  • Reduce background noise: choose quieter locations when meeting friends or family. This can make conversations easier to follow and less tiring. 
  • Take a break from the noise: if you’re starting to tire, consider walking in nature or somewhere quieter. This can give your brain time to relax.

 Speak to your hearing care professional if you need help managing listening fatigue.

 

How Hearing Aids Can Help Reduce Listening Fatigue

Hearing aids enhance hearing, making engaging with the world around you more accessible. One study found that hearing aids reduced listening effort and mental fatigue for adults with mild to severe hearing loss.4 

Benefits of hearing aids for listening fatigue include:

  • Sound amplification: hearing aids amplify sounds, making it easier to hear conversations without straining. This reduces the mental effort required to understand speech. 
  • Noise reduction: many modern hearing aids have noise-cancelling features. This helps filter out distracting background noise so you can focus on what matters most. 
  • Directional microphones: some hearing aids also have directional microphones. These microphones pick up sounds from specific directions, allowing you to hear conversations in noisy settings. 
  • Personalisation: hearing aids can be tailored to your specific hearing needs. With this customisation, you’ll be able to hear the sounds you want without unnecessary strain. 

By embracing the support available from hearing aids and hearing care professionals, you can prioritise your comfort in social situations and reduce listening fatigue. 

Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team will ensure your hearing aids are customised so you can enjoy conversations without the burden of fatigue!
 

References:

  1. Phonak Field Study News (August 2024), Speech Enhancer reduces listening effort and fatigue, Phonak, accessed 27 November 2024.
  2. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery (1 August 2023), Hearing Loss and Fatigue in Middle-Aged and Older Adults, National Library of Medicine, accessed 1 November 2024. 
  3. National Sleep Foundation (11 March 2024), Napping: Benefits and Tips, National Sleep Foundation, accessed 1 November 2024. 
  4. National Centre for Biotechnology Information (September 2013), The effects of hearing aid use on listening effort and mental fatigue associated with sustained speech processing demands, National Library of Medicine, accessed 1 November 2024.