Sleep is valuable. There’s a disagreeable feeling to waking up groggy because you slept less than seven to eight hours that even several cups of coffee can’t help. So when your hearing loss began causing you to have insomnia, you were aghast.
And that’s understandable. But there’s something that can be of assistance, fortunately: a hearing aid. According to the most recent surveys and research, these small devices can most likely help you sleep sounder.
How is Sleep Affected by Loss of Hearing?
In recent days, you’ve noticed yourself counting sheep more than normal, dealing with fatigue all day no matter how much sleep you get, and then having a hard time falling asleep at night (despite your exhaustion). All of these issues started about the same time you also began to notice that your radio, television, and mobile phone were becoming difficult to hear.
It’s not your imagination as it turns out. There is a well-documented link between loss of hearing and insomnia, even if the precise sources aren’t precisely clear. There are, of course, a few theories:
- Loss of hearing is related to depression, and depression can result in chemical imbalances in the brain that disrupt your sleep cycle. As a result of this, falling asleep and staying asleep becomes more difficult.
- As you develop loss of hearing, your brain starts straining, it’s searching for inputs from your ears where there isn’t. If your brain is in high gear attempting to hear while you’re trying to sleep, your whole cycle could be disrupted (it’s that “my brain won’t shut off” problem).
- You can be kept awake by tinnitus which can cause ringing, thumping, or humming sounds in your ears. (It can become a vicious cycle because loss of sleep can worsen your tinnitus symptoms).
Can Your Sleep be Improved by Wearing Hearing Aids?
According to one study, 44% of people with loss of hearing who don’t wear hearing aids documented being satisfied with their sleep in comparison to 59% sleep satisfaction from those who did use a hearing aid. So does that guarantee it’s safe to assume hearing aids are also a type of sleep aid?
Not exactly. If your hearing is completely healthy, using hearing aids won’t cure your insomnia.
But if you are suffering from loss of hearing, your hearing aids can target numerous concerns that could be contributing to your insomnia:
- Strain: The damage on your brain will effectively decreased by using hearing aids. And when your brain isn’t constantly struggling to hear everything around you, it won’t be as likely to continue that practice when you’re trying to sleep.
- Tinnitus: Depending on the nature and cause of your tinnitus, hearing aids might provide a practical method of managing that ringing and buzzing. This can assist you to get some sleep by short circuiting that vicious cycle.
- Isolation: If you’re out on the town, interacting with the people in your social group, you’re not so likely to feel isolated and depressed. Hearing aids make building relationships less difficult (sleep cycle problems that cause “cabin fever” can also be lessened).
Achieving a Better Night Sleep With Hearing Aids
In terms of sleep, the number of hours is not the only factor to consider. In order for your sleep to be truly rejuvenating, it’s important that you achieve a certain depth to your z’s. Hearing aids can enhance your ability to attain a restful nights sleep because loss of hearing without hearing aids can prevent deep sleep.
it should be mentioned that even though they’ll help benefit your sleep, most hearing aids are not meant to be worn overnight. When you’re sleeping they aren’t going to help your hearing (you won’t be capable of hearing your alarm clock more clearly, for instance). And your hearing aids can definitely wear out faster if you wear them during the night. It’s using them during the day that helps you get better sleep.
Go to Bed!
Sleep is precious. Your immune system, your stress levels, and your ability to think clearly will all be helped by sufficient sleep. A decreased risk of diabetes and heart disease have also been connected to healthy sleep habits.
When your sleep schedule is disrupted by your loss of hearing, the problem becomes more than irritating, insomnia can often result in serious health problems. Luckily, people report having better quality sleep with hearing aids.