Have you ever felt tired or “foggy” after a long conversation with a coworker or a dinner party at Flaming Grill Cafe? This feeling known as brain fog is common, especially for people with hearing loss. Below we review what the connection between hearing loss and brain fog is as well as strategies for how to cope.
What’s the Link Between Hearing Loss & Brain Fog?
The link between hearing loss and brain fog is complex, but there is much research to support it.
- One study from 2017 found that children who have hearing loss experience significant fatigue from daily interactions at school. Fatigue goes hand-in-hand with poor concentration and memory issues.
- Hearing loss has also been linked to memory problems, including cognitive decline and dementia across multiple studies.
- These claims are backed by anecdotal evidence from adults with hearing loss who report a phenomenon known by audiologists as “listening fatigue,” where you feel exhausted after regular interactions.
Strategies for Coping
If you experience fatigue or memory problems from day-to-day interactions, below are some strategies to help you cope.
Identify Your Triggers
Identifying your triggers can help you not only cope with, but also prevent, brain fog. Your symptoms may seem random at first, but there is oftentimes an external factor that can exacerbate problems, usually in your environment or lifestyle habits.
To identify your triggers, the experts at Elk Grove Hearing Care recommend writing down what you eat and things you do in a journal. Over time, this can help you identify patterns.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Another way to help prevent brain fog is to take care of your body and mind. Be sure you eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, go to bed and wake up at consistent times and exercising regularly.
Exercise Creativity
Most people don’t feel like doing much of anything when they’re worn out and foggy. However, sitting and doing nothing will not help pull you out of your slump. Try a creative outlet like writing, drawing, painting or playing music. Just 10 minutes of creativity might help you feel fresh and break the cycle.
For more information about the relationship between brain fog and hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with a local audiologist, call Elk Grove Hearing Care today.