Good sleep is vital to maintaining your health and feeling your best. Many different factors can influence or disrupt our sleep, including, in some cases, hearing loss.
Research on Hearing Loss and Sleep 
Some people might think hearing loss can improve sleep because you’re less likely to be woken up by noise in the night. However, several studies have found an association between hearing loss and sleep problems.
One study found that people with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) experienced higher rates of insomnia than those with normal hearing. Specifically, researchers found that “the overall incidence of insomnia during the 11-year follow-up was 1.4-fold higher in the SSNHL group than in the non-SSNHL group.”
An additional study found that people with hearing loss and tinnitus were likelier to experience sleep impairments and insomnia. While this study indicated that tinnitus was the main cause of sleep disturbances, hearing loss independently contributed to insomnia and other sleep-related problems as well.
Hearing Loss, Stress and Sleep Quality
Hearing loss might impact sleep quality because it can increase stress. Sudden hearing loss specifically can be a distressing and disorienting experience because of its rapid onset. However, even traditional hearing loss that comes on gradually can increase stress.
Struggling to hear makes many things in your life more complicated. You might have a harder time communicating effectively at work or struggle to converse when out with a big group of friends at The Point Pub & Grill. Complications like this can increase your stress levels, leading to worse sleep.
Additionally, many people with hearing loss also deal with tinnitus. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in one or both ears that can be constant or come and go. The sound can be distracting, particularly at night when you are trying to sleep and everything is quiet. Tinnitus is also known to increase stress and anxiety levels as well.
Can Hearing Aids Help You Sleep?
While you don’t wear hearing aids when you sleep, treating your hearing loss can help reduce the stress associated with the condition and can also manage tinnitus symptoms.
If you experience sudden hearing loss, you should seek treatment immediately, as it can often be reversed with prompt treatment. Any permanent hearing loss will be treated with hearing aids or other assistive listening devices.
To learn more or to have your hearing evaluated by one of our experts, call Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center today.