The psychological impact of hearing loss
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2017), hearing loss affects 430 million people worldwide. It is also estimated that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing impairment and at least 700 million will have disabling hearing loss requiring treatment. While the experience of hearing loss is different for everyone, there are a number of potential psychological effects that need to be considered.
1) Anger & denial
However, hearing loss often causes significant adjustments in the affected person’s everyday lifestyle and social engagement. Moreover, communication becomes challenging when they cannot explain necessary changes to others’ speaking patterns. Consequently, the extra effort needed to understand conversations can result in fatigue, frustration, and emotional distress. Furthermore, irritability and discouragement may arise as misunderstandings continue to accumulate in various settings. Likewise, the difficulty in adapting to hearing loss often leads to feelings of denial and resistance. Ultimately, timely recognition and acceptance of hearing loss improve emotional wellbeing and support better interpersonal connections.
2) Hearing Loss & Self-Esteem: Anxiety and Depression
When people struggle to hear and communication becomes challenging, they may feel anxious and embarrassed being in situations where it is difficult to hear. They may also fear being stigmatised and judged and worry that their hearing impairment could cause them to feel misunderstood and negatively affect the outcome of a conversation. As a result, they may end up avoiding going out or meeting with family, friends, and the general public. These circumstances may set the person off on a path of social disconnection and isolation, which can lead them to feel like they have lost a part of their identity, subsequently heightening feelings of disappointment, sadness, shame, and hopelessness. In such circumstances, the person may become increasingly vulnerable to developing more serious mental health challenges such as depression, which is characterised by persistent sadness, fatigue, sleep difficulties, loss of pleasure or interest in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities, as well as thoughts of being a burden and suicide.
3) Impact on Family Members
However, hearing loss affects family members emotionally and socially alike. Moreover, it often creates communication barriers during daily shared interactions. Consequently, misunderstandings may trigger frustration, arguments, and emotional strain. Furthermore, repeated clarifications can cause irritation within close family relationships. Therefore, some relatives avoid conversations to reduce conflict and tension. Additionally, avoidance increases emotional distance over longer periods of time. Likewise, reduced interaction can weaken overall bonds between close relatives. Meanwhile, shared struggles may also strengthen empathy and mutual support. Still, without help, family stress can escalate and persist unnecessarily. Ultimately, improving communication benefits both individuals and their families equally.
Final Thoughts on Hearing loss & Self-Esteem
Overall, addressing hearing loss promptly can significantly improve emotional wellbeing and maintain strong relationships with loved ones over time. Furthermore, seeking specialist support ensures individuals receive tailored strategies to cope with both the practical and psychological effects. Moreover, early intervention reduces the risk of long-term emotional strain while enhancing communication and social engagement. Ultimately, raising awareness about hearing loss encourages understanding, empathy, and timely action, fostering better mental health and quality of life.
Written by Dr Ronald Zammit
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Dr. Ronald Zammit holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southampton, has completed Master’s level psychotherapy training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at the New Buckinghamshire University in the UK, as well as received training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). He has a special interest in mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related difficulties, personality disorders, and compassion-based approaches to treating difficulties related to high self-criticism and shame.
References
World Health Organization (2021). Deafness and hearing loss. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
