Hearing loss can negatively impact your life in many ways. It can make it harder to focus at work or enjoy meals out with your family at Calico County Restaurant. Research has shown it also may make it harder to get a good night’s sleep.
Study Links Hearing Loss and Tinnitus to Insomnia
A study published in 2011 examined the connection between sleep quality and ear-related issues, including hearing loss. They performed audiological exams on 298 volunteers who had been exposed to harmful noise through their jobs. In addition, researchers also measure their sleep quality using a self-reported questionnaire.
They found while tinnitus caused the most sleep disturbances, hearing loss was independently linked to an increase in insomnia as well.
Stress From Hearing Loss May Impair Sleeping Ability
It might seem odd that hearing can worsen the quality of your sleep. You might even assume that, if anything, it would make sleep easier because you’d be less likely to wake up due to sounds in the middle of the night. While the link between the two isn’t entirely understood, it’s thought that stress may play a role.
Untreated hearing loss often increases your stress levels and contributes to higher rates of anxiety and depression. This can all lead to a disrupted sleep routine as well as poorer quality sleep.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Tinnitus is described as a ringing in the ear. However, some people experience buzzing, whooshing or other similar noises as well.
Research suggests that up to 90% of people who have tinnitus also experience hearing loss. The noise from tinnitus can make it difficult for many to sleep.
Using Hearing Aids To Improve Your Sleep
Treating your hearing loss with hearing aids may help improve your sleep. This isn’t because of anything they do during the night, as pretty much all hearing aid models need to be taken out before you go to bed. Rather, it’s thought that treating your hearing loss will help reduce the stress caused by the condition. Hearing aids can also be helpful in the treatment of tinnitus in some cases.
If you believe that hearing loss is impeding your ability to get a good night’s sleep, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. Hearing aids can also improve your overall health and well-being.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Amarillo Hearing Clinic today.
