Month: October 2024

Hearing loss may be a physical condition, but its impact on mental health is profound. Hearing is one of our most essential senses, and losing it can create a ripple effect, impacting many areas of life. This often leads to significant emotional challenges and can deeply affect overall well-being.

One of the most prevalent of these issues is social isolation, and many studies have found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. In this blog, we’ll explore the strong connection between hearing loss and isolation, and, more importantly, how to prevent this from happening to you or a loved one.

How hearing loss leads to social isolation

If we think about our interactions with others, these connections are built on communication and when our ability to hear is impaired, so is our ability to interact and communicate.

It’s not uncommon for those with a hearing impairment to notice that their relationships start to weaken as this level of communication begins to break down, and this can bring with it a whole host of challenges.

1. Struggles with communication

Struggling to follow conversations is one of the most common and frustrating challenges that many people with hearing loss face. Having a simple discussion requires more mental effort and can often result in misunderstandings or miscommunication which can be incredibly frustrating for everyone involved. Put this conversation in a noisy environment and this is heightened even more.

Over time, having a conversation can eventually lead hearing loss sufferers to experience communication fatigue, where talking with others becomes exhausting. It goes without saying that the natural response to this is to start avoiding social situations altogether so they can protect themselves from the frustration and stop the communication difficulties altogether.

2. Withdrawing from social activities

When communication becomes a struggle, this doesn’t just impact one-on-one relationships but can also take its toll on the social activities that an individual enjoyed pre-hearing loss.

Whether it’s a social event, family gathering, hobby or activity, it’s not uncommon for hearing loss sufferers to start skipping these events until they slowly phase themselves out of them altogether. This all stems back to the communication difficulties and the effort required to engage in these types of situations.

It’s a natural response and is generally the individual trying to save themselves from the embarrassment, frustration, or discomfort of not being able to keep up with conversations and those around them.

3. Impact on emotions

The emotional toll that hearing loss has on an individual can often be dismissed or simply misunderstood, but it’s really quite significant.

Combining communication difficulties and a general lack of social engagement can often lead to feelings of loneliness, as people become more isolated from their social circles. Loneliness can make people scared to engage in social situations and if this happens for long enough they can eventually feel completely disconnected from their surroundings, loved ones, and things they love the most.

Being lonely for a long time can lead to a negative spiral and have profound impacts on an individual’s mental health, sometimes escalating into feelings of depression or anxiety.

4. Hearing loss is invisible

Unlike visible disabilities, hearing loss is often unseen and can go unnoticed which can further complicate relationships. This is particularly true if an individual is suffering from undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss, as friends and family around them might not realise they are struggling to hear or understand them and may mistake this for simply being uninterested or disengaged.

This can cause further strain on relationships and the lack of awareness can make it even more difficult for those with hearing loss to stay socially connected, as they may feel misunderstood or isolated.

All of these things combined – communication struggles, social withdrawal, emotional impact and lack of awareness can ultimately drive an individual towards social isolation.

The science behind hearing loss and isolation

The link between hearing loss and isolation doesn’t just come from how a person processes their emotions, it’s backed by scientific evidence and is deeply rooted in the way our brains process information.

There is plenty of research showing that untreated hearing loss doesn’t just isolate individuals from their environment, but can also trigger a series of negative physiological effects.

Understanding cognitive load and brain health

When we experience a decline in hearing, our brain has to work harder to interpret speech and sounds which is known as an increased cognitive load.

In individuals with full hearing, their brain filters and interprets sounds effortlessly. However, when hearing is compromised, the brain is forced to dedicate more resources to understanding sounds leaving fewer resources available for other cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Over the years, research has shown a strong correlation between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, especially in older adults. This study by Johns Hopkins Medicine concluded that older adults with hearing loss were at higher risk of developing cognitive issues, including dementia, compared to those with normal hearing.

So, how does this relate to isolation? Well, the constant effort to process sound and the stress on our cognitive function can make it harder for individuals to socially engage and eventually lead to withdrawal from these types of situations.

How the brain processes sound

Our brain’s auditory system processes a wide range of sounds but for those with hearing loss, these auditory signals sent to the brain are compromised. This means the brain receives less information than it needs to properly understand speech, especially in noisy environments.

When the brain has to fill in these gaps, it increases mental workload which ultimately leads to frustration and fatigue. Over time, this can lead to auditory deprivation where the brain’s sound-processing parts become less active, making it even more taxing and difficult to engage in conversations, forcing individuals to avoid them altogether.

How to avoid isolation from hearing loss

With all of the above information taken into account, the connection between hearing loss and isolation is very clear but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

It’s important to understand that many of these complications arise when hearing loss is undiagnosed and untreated, so recognising the problem and seeking help is the first step.

Why early detection of hearing loss is crucial

With hearing loss, it doesn’t have to be too late to take action. Regular hearing tests are essential for early diagnosis, especially for individuals who are at a higher risk such as older adults or those frequently exposed to loud noise.

For many people, hearing loss can develop gradually which can make it easy to adapt to decreased hearing without even realising it. However, hearing loss can worsen over time so the earlier it is detected, the better the outcomes.

Untreated hearing loss can cause further damage down the line, as it only continues to place further strain on the brain and auditory system, ultimately leading to a higher degree of hearing loss and a greater chance of experiencing associated issues.

This is why we are so passionate about undergoing regular hearing tests because they are the only way to accurately diagnose hearing loss and devise a suitable treatment plan, such as the use of hearing aids.

Hearing aids are the most effective solution for most people as they help restore hearing to a certain level, reducing the amount of strain placed on the brain and therefore reducing the risks of associated side effects like loneliness and social isolation.

Booking a hearing test

At Harley Street Hearing, we are proud to have a team of highly qualified clinical audiologists offering professional, thorough hearing tests. Our hearing tests are designed to produce the most accurate results and our audiologists are here to ensure you receive the most suitable treatment.

As an independent audiologist, we can offer an extensive range of hearing aids from all major manufacturers and will always recommend the best option to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you’ve noticed a change in your hearing or haven’t had a hearing assessment in a while, it’s important to book one as soon as possible. We have four hearing clinics across London and a team of specialists ready to help you hear to the best of your ability.

Contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053 to book an appointment.

How often do you lose your hearing aids? If you’re ever frantically searching your house looking for them, then Phonak’s new state-of-the-art hearing aid tracking technology is going to be perfect for you. And here’s everything that you need to know about it.

MyPhonak “Find my hearing aid” app feature

Every hearing aid manufacturer has had a “find my hearing aid” feature since the dawn of time. Well, not quite that early, but certainly since the release of ReSound’s first-ever Bluetooth-compatible hearing aid way back in 2010.

Yet one manufacturer, Sonova, which encompasses leading brands Unitron and Phonak, hasn’t. And believe me, over the years, I have begged them for it on your behalf.

Why? Well, in a recent poll that I put out on YouTube, around 30% of viewers have lost a hearing aid in the past, and this could have been prevented with today’s new feature.

So, today’s big news is that the newest MyPhonak app update, version 6.9 – which coincides with the release of the Phonak Audeo Infinio, Audeo Sphere Infinio, and Virto Infino – will now give you access to Phonak’s brand-new “find my hearing aid” feature.

In practice, this means that if your hearing aid or CROS system falls out or is missing, the GPS on your smartphone will show you the last time your phone and your hearing aids were together. So, if you’ve lost one, you’ll be able to trace your steps and then find it.

How does it work?

There are a couple of things that are important for me to mention early on. Firstly, the app will now ask permission to use your location services. You have to allow this for it to work, and it must also be set to “always allow.” If you don’t take that step, then it won’t work.

Secondly, I have been assured by Phonak that Sonova does not have access to your location data, so panic not – they will not be tracing your every movement.

When it’s working, it will help you to find your hearing aids in two different ways: firstly, on a map if you’re far away from them, and then secondly, you’ll notice these little hot and cold bars which should get you within a few feet of your hearing aids.

The sad news

I can only assume that this is now possible with the introduction of LE Audio into these new hearing aids from Phonak; however, Phonak will neither confirm nor deny this. In reality,
it doesn’t matter how they’ve done it—the main thing is that they’ve caught up with the competition.

Sadly though, this feature is not backwards compatible, so it won’t work with your Lumity, Paradise, or Marvel hearing aids.

Before you go and do this update, I would thoroughly recommend checking out this video reviewing Phonak’s supercharged Audeo Sphere hearing aids.

Never Lose Your Hearing Aids Again With THIS MyPhonak App Update Video

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can watch his video on the MyPhonak App update below.

Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:

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Tinnitus is a common condition which affects around 10 to 25% of adults. However, there are different types of tinnitus and certain criteria which means it’s important to get it investigated immediately – all of these criteria will be covered in this article.

So, what exactly is tinnitus?

Simply put, tinnitus is technically any sound that you hear in your ears or your head which is not being produced by an external sound source. In fact, it’s different for everybody.

In a recent poll that I put out on my YouTube channel asking about personal experiences with tinnitus, there was a mixed bag of descriptions which included pulsatile, tonal, roaring, electric buzzing, and ringing, to boiling kettle static sounds, warble sounds, and even the sound of people chanting in the forest.

I personally suffer from a high-pitched, continual tinnitus, which sounds something like this: it’s there 24/7, and I notice it the most if I’m lying in bed in the evening, or if I’m tired, stressed, or unwell. It gives me great solace to know that tinnitus is unbelievably common, with around 50 million people experiencing some form of tinnitus, and more often than not, it’s nothing that you need to worry about.

Tinnitus that requires a doctor

There are, however, certain characteristics with any of the tinnitus sounds that I’ve just mentioned that do require an immediate medical opinion.

For example:

• If your tinnitus is only in one ear
• If it’s changed in nature over a very short period of time
• If it stops you from sleeping or
• If it contributes to you experiencing anxiety or depression

But saying all of that doesn’t cover the subject of today’s topic, and the big question is: why is the type of tinnitus that I’m talking about today any different whatsoever? And why is it a little bit more serious than all of those that I’ve just listed above?

Firstly, it’s not as common. Research shows that pulsatile tinnitus affects around 5 million Americans, and to add to that, it isn’t just annoying like a lot of the other tinnitus we’ve discussed. However, it could potentially be a sign of an underlying health issue – hence my recommendation for immediate investigation.

Pulsatile tinnitus sound

If your tinnitus sounds a little like a heartbeat, swishing or whooshing, it’s likely that you’re experiencing a form of pulsatile tinnitus. As I mentioned earlier, it’s a bit different and potentially more serious than any other form of tinnitus.

Instead of a continuous noise, you’ll hear a rhythmic sound that can match your heartbeat, and unlike other forms of tinnitus, which are often a continual tone, pulsatile tinnitus beats in sync with your pulse.

What causes pulsatile tinnitus?

There are several causes of pulsatile tinnitus, some being benign and others which are a little more serious.

Atherosclerosis

This condition occurs when plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, builds up inside your arteries. Over time, this plaque hardens and causes narrowing, restricting blood flow. If this happens in the arteries near your ears, the turbulent blood flow can create a rhythmic sound that matches your heartbeat, which you may perceive as pulsatile tinnitus.

Blood vessel disorders

Certain blood vessel disorders can also lead to pulsatile tinnitus, with conditions such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations being key examples of this. An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery, often due to weaknesses in the arterial wall.

Again, if this occurs near your ear, it can cause turbulent blood flow, leading to pulsatile tinnitus. Slightly differently, arteriovenous malformations are abnormal connections between the arteries and the veins, bypassing the capillary system. Again, if this happens, it can cause direct high-pressure blood flow from your arteries to your veins, creating this pulsatile sensation.

High blood pressure

Another cause for pulsatile tinnitus is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can result in an increase in blood flow force through your arteries, especially near your ear. Again, this turbulent flow can create a rhythmic sound in sync with your heartbeat, perceived as a thumping or whooshing noise.

Ear abnormalities

Ear abnormalities such as superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome which occurs when part of the bone near your semicircular canals in your inner ear is abnormally thin or missing, can also be a risk factor for pulsatile tinnitus.

In around 1 to 2% of individuals, this bone doesn’t mature and thicken properly and, in fact, can even become thinner with age. This is often accompanied by sufferers excessively hearing their own voice, and their footsteps, and it’s even reported that some sufferers can hear their own eye movements.

Tumours

Another cause of pulsatile tinnitus could potentially be a tumour, such as a glomus tumour, in your head or neck. These highly vascular tumours compress nearby blood vessels, disrupting normal blood flow and creating a rhythmic sound, which you may perceive as pulsatile tinnitus.

Glomus jugular tumours, for example, can grow near the jugular vein and into your middle ear, causing this kind of tinnitus, which is sometimes accompanied by hearing loss too.

Myoclonus

As well as the conditions that can cause pulsatile tinnitus, there are also types of rhythmical tinnitus. For example, myoclonus is a condition that involves the rhythmic contraction of muscles within your middle ear, which can sometimes contract involuntarily. It’s a little bit like that strange feeling that you get when your eyelid twitches—we’ve all experienced that. When these muscles in your middle ear spontaneously contract, it can lead to a rhythmic sound, but it doesn’t necessarily follow your pulse like pulsatile tinnitus would.

Patulous eustachian tube dysfunction

Another pretty rare cause of rhythmic sounds inside your head is something called patulous eustachian tube syndrome. Normally, the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of your nose, remains closed and only opens briefly during activities such as swallowing or yawning.

However, with patulous eustachian tubes, your tube might stay open more often, which allows the sound of breathing and speaking to be transmitted directly to your middle ear, creating this rhythmical tinnitus-type sound.

How is pulsatile tinnitus investigated?

So, if you have pulsatile tinnitus how can you find out the most likely cause? If I come across anybody in the clinic who experiences pulsatile tinnitus, I will immediately refer them to an ENT to look into that cause.

Normally, they’ll start by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination which focuses on your head, neck, and ears. Believe it or not, they may even attempt to listen to your pulsatile tinnitus themselves using a stethoscope.

There are various tests that will help to pinpoint the exact cause of your pulsatile tinnitus, which is crucial for finding the right treatment for you. These can include imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan, which will provide detailed images around your head and neck, and even an ultrasound can be performed to check the blood flow in your neck.

What happens if pulsatile tinnitus is left untreated or uninvestigated?

It’s important to mention here that more often than not, pulsatile tinnitus is nothing that you need to worry about. But you should definitely head over to your doctor for further investigation so that they can rule out any dangerous causes.

In very extreme cases when it’s not treated and it’s an indication of something more sinister, there is the rare possibility that whatever is causing your tinnitus could also lead to blindness, strokes, issues with walking or talking, or even fatality.

So, as you can appreciate, this is why I recommend having it investigated as soon as possible, so a doctor can determine whether your pulsatile tinnitus is dangerous or not. Assuming that it’s nothing sinister, there are also a handful of lifestyle changes that you can personally make to reduce your own tinnitus, and I’ve outlined them in the video below.

If you’d like any further information about this or any other hearing query please call 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below .

What is Pulsatile Tinnitus? Seek IMMEDIATE Medical Advice Video

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can watch his video on pulsatile tinnitus below.

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