How Hearing Loss Can Cause Personality Changes

The consequences of hearing loss seem obvious, including the stress of the chronic struggle to hear and the affect this can have on relationships. But what if the consequences went further, and could actually change your personality?

Research from the University of Gothenburg shows that this may be the case. The researchers studied 400 individuals aged 80-98 over a six-year period. The researchers assessed a number of physical, mental, social, and personality measures through the duration of the study, including extroversion, or the disposition to be outgoing.

Interestingly, the researchers couldn’t connect the reduction in extraversion to physical variables, cognitive decline, or social issues. The single factor that could be linked to the decline in extraversion was hearing loss.

While people in general become less outgoing as they age, this study demonstrates that the change is amplified in those with hearing loss.

The effects of social isolation

Reduced extraversion, which can lead to social isolation in the elderly, is a major health risk. In fact, a meta-analysis of 148 studies analyzing the relationship between social isolation and mortality found that a shortage of supporting social relationships was linked with increased mortality rates.

Social isolation is also a major risk factor for mental illness, including the onset of major depression. Going out less can also result in decreased physical activity, contributing to physical problems and weight issues, and the lack of stimulation to the brain—typically received from group interaction and dialogue—can lead to cognitive decline.

How hearing loss can create social isolation

The health effects of social isolation are well established, and hearing loss appears to be connected to decreased social activity. The question is, what is it about hearing loss that tends to make people less likely to be socially active?

The obvious answer is the trouble hearing loss can present in groups. For people with hearing loss, it is often extremely challenging to follow conversations when several people are speaking all at once and where there is a great deal of background noise.

The continual battle to hear can be exhausting, and it’s sometimes easier to give up the activity than to struggle through it. Hearing loss can also be embarrassing, and can produce a sensation of seclusion even if the person is physically part of a group.

For these reasons, among others, it’s no surprise that many people with hearing loss decide to avoid the difficulties of group interaction and activity.

What can be done?

Hearing loss causes social isolation largely because of the difficulty people have speaking and participating in group settings. To make the process easier for those with hearing loss, think about these guidelines:

• If you have hearing loss, think about trying hearing aids. Today’s technology can treat virtually all cases of hearing loss, offering the amplification necessary to more effortlessly interact in group settings.
• If you have hearing loss, talk to the group beforehand, informing them about your hearing loss and suggesting ways to make communication easier.
• For those that know someone with hearing loss, try to make communication easier. Limit background noise, choose quiet areas for communication, and speak directly and clearly to the person with hearing loss.

With a little awareness, preparation, and the right technology, we can all make communication much easier for those with hearing loss.