Seek Treatment for Your Hearing Loss

The greatest act of self-care you can do if you’re experiencing hearing loss is seeking treatment. Hearing loss often occurs gradually, meaning we usually ignore the importance of regular hearing checks until it’s too late.1 

Leaving hearing loss untreated can greatly impact your life. From increased social isolation and a higher risk of dementia, untreated hearing loss can greatly affect your ability to communicate, leading to feelings of frustration and fatigue.2 With proper treatment and the use of devices like hearing aids, you can get back to living life to the full and connecting to the people and places around you. If you have concerns, speak to a hearing care professional; our friendly team are here to help. Book an appointment today. 

 

Create A Hearing-Friendly Home Environment

Your home should be a place where you feel relaxed and engaged with your surroundings. By making some small changes around the house, you’ll be able to improve your ability to hear and communicate greatly. Consider the following:

  • Minimise background noise: turn off loud appliances, close windows to block outside sounds, and consider using rugs and curtains to reduce echo in the home. 
  • Use visual cues: flashing lights or vibrating alarms for things like doorbells, phone calls, or fire alarms mean you don’t have to worry about missing these alerts.
  • Install amplifiers: consider adding amplifiers to your phone, television, or doorbell to help make communication easier. 

 

Make Exercise A Priority for Overall Health

Exercise is key when it comes to overall health and well-being, with positive impacts on our emotional and physical health. Regular physical activity can help improve circulation, boost mood, and increase energy levels, all of which are important for managing health conditions, including hearing loss.3 Consider these tips for making exercise a daily part of your routine:

  • Choose activities you enjoy: you don’t need access to a gym to enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling, find a workout that feels good and fits into your lifestyle. 
  • Improve balance: activities like yoga and pilates can help with balance and coordination, which may become more important as you navigate life with hearing loss.4 
  • Stay consistent: aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to keep your mind and body in good health. 

 

Get Enough Sleep And Rest

Good sleep is vital for physical and mental health. Proper rest can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and help you manage the challenges that arise with hearing loss.5 That said, most of us aren’t getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep we need a night. Here are some tips to practice better sleep hygiene:

  • Create a bedtime routine: stick to a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming environment to help you unwind in the evenings. 
  • Limit screen time: to prepare for bed and help your mind relax, try to avoid screens (computers, phones, and TVs) at least an hour before bed. 
  • Focus on quality sleep: aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to recharge your body and mind. 


Look After Your Mental Health

A major part of self-care is looking after your mental health. For those experiencing hearing loss, it’s especially important as it’s common to experience frustration, anxiety, or isolation. Consider the following tips:

  • Seek support: joining a support group for people with hearing loss can help you feel connected, while speaking with a counsellor is beneficial for those feeling overwhelmed. 
  • Practice mindfulness: practices like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and increase your sense of peace.6
  • Stay positive: focus on those things you can control and remember that hearing loss doesn’t have to hold you back. With treatment, you can stay connected to friends and the world around you. 
 

Stay Proactive in Protecting Your Hearing

Regular visits with hearing care professionals can help you to stay on top of your hearing health. These professionals can assess any changes in your hearing and recommend the best treatment plan to suit your needs. You can protect your hearing by:
  • Getting annual hearing checks: even if you don’t think your hearing is changing, it’s important to have a professional check your hearing regularly. 
  • Adjusting your hearing aids: hearing needs evolve, so it’s important to make the necessary adjustments to your hearing aids. A hearing care professional can help to fine-tune your device to suit your lifestyle. 

Self-care practices won’t just help you take a holistic approach to your well-being, they may also help protect your hearing health. By staying proactive, informed, and connected, you can live a full and meaningful life. 

 

If you’re concerned about your hearing, don’t wait - book a visit to your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns, supporting you on your journey to better hearing. 

 

References

  1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (February 2023), Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis), www.nidcd.nih.gov, accessed 11 January 2025
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.), The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss, www.hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed 11 January 2025
  3. Cureus (7 January 2023), Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review, National Library of Medicine, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  4. Ear Hear (November 2020), The Effects of Hearing Loss on Balance: A Critical Review, National Library of Medicine, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  5. Sleep Medicine Reviews (December 2021), Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, Science Direct, accessed 11 January 2025. 
  6. American Psychological Association (30 October 2019), Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress, www.apa.org, accessed 11 January 2025.