Man with listening fatigue while listening to a lecture

Do you remember sitting in class and feeling your eyes slowly close while the teacher was talking? Even if you slept well the night before, what you were experiencing is a natural response to prolonged listening. However, those with hearing loss could find themselves with even more exhaustion.

What is listening fatigue?

Think about the last time you struggled to see something, whether it was during the day or at night. Straining your eyes causes you to feel more tired because of the extra effort. The same thing can happen with your hearing, where exerting more attention and energy towards an auditory stimulus can create fatigue.

This can happen to anyone, especially during extended exposure to noisy settings like a crowd. People suffering from mild to severe hearing loss may have greater fatigue more often.

What are the symptoms of listening fatigue?

As the name implies, this phenomenon causes exhaustion from trying to listen too hard. Other symptoms may include:

  • Discomfort
  • Reduced sensitivity to sound
  • Feelings of apathy

What are your treatment options for listening fatigue?

To reduce your frequency of listening fatigue, there are a few things you can do. Limiting your exposure to noise can give your ears and auditory senses a break. Taking a nap, relaxing outside or in a quiet area, and reducing background noise can all ease your exhaustion. If you’re struggling with hearing loss, a quality set of hearing aids can make it easier to listen to the sounds around you, resulting in less concerted effort.

If you believe your fatigue is related to reduced hearing, make an appointment with a CEENTA audiologist. Our team of hearing specialists can determine the extent of your hearing loss and recommend hearing aids best suited for you. Schedule with CEENTA today by calling 704-295-3300.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. If you need an appointment with an audiologist in one of our North or South Carolina locations, you can schedule an appointment by calling 704-295-3300.

 


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