It’s extremely common for people with untreated hearing loss to experience feelings of loneliness. Unfortunately, when you feel this way, it can, in turn, cause you to withdraw socially from people and activities you once loved. Social isolation is a well-known risk factor for depression and even dementia, which is why it’s important to do what you can to combat it. We review tips for this below.
Reach out to Loved Ones
Your friends and family care about your well-being, and they want to be there for you if you’re struggling. However, they may not know you’re having a hard time with feelings of loneliness and social isolation unless you communicate this to them. Try inviting a loved one or two over to your home where it’s quiet and talk to them about the challenges you face with your hearing loss. Let them know how they can best support you.
Use Communication Strategies
Whether you’re talking to a close loved one or a casual acquaintance, you can try the following communication strategies. Don’t be afraid to speak up about what accommodations would be helpful for you.
You can…
- Face them directly.
- Hang out somewhere with good lighting.
- Avoid eating while talking.
- Turn off music, the television or other background noise.
- Take turns speaking and not interrupting.
They can…
- Speak more clearly and slowly than usual, but still naturally.
- Say your name or touch your arm before they begin speaking to you.
- Use simple sentences and rephrase rather than repeat after a misunderstanding.
- Provide written materials for instructions or directions.
Rediscover an Old Hobby
Picking up a new hobby can be intimidating, but rediscovering an old one can bring back wonderful memories. Consider what hobbies you enjoyed when you were younger, like playing an instrument or going for walks on. Ideally, try to join a group with other like-minded people.
See an Audiologist
If you are experiencing hearing loss and haven’t yet seen an audiologist, know that according to one study, “Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.”
To learn more about combating social isolation or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call The House Institute today.