3 Tips for Managing Listening Fatigue

Recently, we were asked how hearing implant recipients can manage listening fatigue—without removing their audio processors. Here are three suggestions:

1. Use Assistive Listening Devices

Try an assistive listening device such as AudioLink. This will help reduce your listening effort by directing the speech or sound you are listening to directly to your audio processors, overcoming the effects of background noise and distance. AudioLink can be used to stream sound from your phone, TV, or other media devices.

It can also be used as a remote microphone: Place AudioLink in front of the person speaking at face-to-face meetings or lectures. Then their speech signal will be sent directly to your audio processor, and listening will require less effort.

2. Reduce Background Noise

Reduce noise in your home or workplace where possible to hear speech and other sounds more easily. Add rugs to your home in key areas to reduce noise from dragging chairs, footsteps, and toys. Turn the TV or radio off when you are not actively listening to them so you don’t have to communicate over the noise.

Take a closer look at your work environment and identify noise sources. Could you request your desk be moved away from sources of noise, such as the photocopier or the hallway? Could you add rugs to reduce noise and echo? Making these adjustments will make it easier for everyone to communicate.

3. Take Listening Breaks

Take breaks regularly. Take time out from noisy places, when needed. This might mean moving to a quieter space for your lunch break or turning the radio off for your drive home. By giving your ears and your brain a break, you will be less fatigued at the end of a long day. When listening fatigue gets to be too much, you may be tempted to take off your audio processors.

But it’s important to wear them as much as possible. By reducing causes of listening fatigue throughout your day, you will be able to wear and benefit from your audio processors longer. And you’ll be less exhausted when you head to sleep at the end of a busy day.

What do you do to avoid listening fatigue? Let us know your tips in the comments below.