Social connection is one of the most fulfilling parts of being human. In recent years, studies have emerged showing just how critical strong social connections are to not only our happiness levels but also our health.
Staying connected to others increases longevity, strengthens your immune system and can even help you recover faster from diseases.
On the other end of the spectrum, lack of relationships or support from others—or social isolation—can be devastating to both physical and mental health.
The risk for social isolation increases in those with hearing loss.
“It’s very common, actually,” says Dr. Thomas Tedeschi, Miracle-Ear Chief Audiology Officer. “Especially as we see the hearing loss progress. … As we start to get into moderate to severe hearing loss, we see more and more and more social isolation.”
Let’s take a closer look at the connection between social isolation and hearing loss and explore how hearing aids can alleviate some of the challenges that lead to isolation, helping to restore social connections and improve overall well-being.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation is “when a person does not have relationships or contact with others and has little to no social support.” This differs from loneliness, which is a feeling of being disconnected and “reflects the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection.”
Social isolation symptoms, including a lack of motivation to engage in social activities, feelings of loneliness, and an increase in depression and anxiety, can come about gradually the longer you are isolated.
Both social isolation and loneliness are widespread, especially among older adults. A National Health and Aging Trends Study found that 24% of community-dwelling adults over age 65 in the U.S. were socially isolated. A separate study found that 43% of Americans over 60 reported feeling lonely. As hearing loss in the elderly progresses, it becomes more difficult for them to participate in conversations, further isolating them.
There is no single or universal cause of social isolation, but there are risk factors that play a role in who typically experiences it.
As hearing declines, it gets harder to follow and actively participate in conversations. This makes communication challenging and frustrating. You may feel out of the loop as friends and family chat easily or you might misinterpret a comment or question and answer incorrectly, which can be embarrassing. Eventually, it may feel easier to not engage at all.
“So [people with hearing loss] don't want to go to family get-togethers; they don't want to go to a restaurant because it's no fun for them,” says Tedeschi.
This gradual withdrawal from social situations can lead to a cycle of loneliness and isolation, deepening the perceived and real disconnection. It can also take a significant toll on the isolated individual’s mental and physical health.
"The longer hearing loss goes untreated," says Tedeschi, "the greater the emotional, physical and mental risk."
“What we see is that as we have hearing loss that goes untreated, we start to see the brain having to work more and more to try to process what’s taking place. As that happens, we start to see cognitive overload, causing people to have more fatigue,” he says.
For people looking for how to overcome social isolation, hearing aids can be an asset. Professionally fitted hearing aids can make a big difference in your ability to participate in conversations, even in crowded spaces. The more you’re able to participate, the easier it is to stave off social isolation.
Since most hearing loss is a gradual process, patients may not recognize how bad the loss has gotten and, therefore, wait until the hearing loss is in the moderate to severe category before seeking out a hearing care professional for hearing aids.
Delayed care for hearing loss is one of the things that can lead to social isolation. As you gradually pull away from uncomfortable situations, becoming more isolated over time, the negative domino effect begins.
Common symptoms of hearing loss include:
If you or your loved ones have noticed signs of hearing loss—no matter how mild, it’s important to make an appointment with a hearing care professional right away. Your health—mental and physical—depends on it. A growing number of recent studies have begun to explore the dementia and hearing loss connection and how hearing aid use might mitigate some people’s risks for dementia.
“There's some great research that's come out of a study called the ACHIEVE study at Johns Hopkins that shows the earlier that you can get into amplification, the better it could help in the slowing down the progression of cognitive decline or dementia,” says Tedeschi. “We're seeing that there are so many comorbidities that are coming about due to hearing loss that you can avoid or slow the progression of.”
Today’s hearing aid wearers can choose from a wide range of sizes, fits and styles to meet their needs. With advanced technology like Conversation+ and Bluetooth-enabled devices, it’s easier than ever for hearing aid wearers to join in conversations and fully participate in building and maintaining social connections.
“Life is short, and we need to live it to our fullest. In order to do that, you need to be an active participant. The way to do that is to keep your hearing bright and to keep it always at its best,” Tedeschi says. “For your overall health, it’s extremely important to have your hearing checked often and when you need help to get that help. Your Miracle-Ear professional can provide that for you.”
