Not getting enough sleep can have a negative effect on your health and well being. There’s an unpleasant feeling to waking up groggy because you slept less than seven to eight hours that even several cups of coffee can’t change. So you were aghast when your loss of hearing started to make you lose sleep.

And that’s justifiable. But there’s a little something that can help, thankfully: a hearing aid. According to the most recent surveys and research, these tiny devices can likely help you sleep sounder.

How is Sleep Impacted by Loss of Hearing?

Recently, you’ve noticed yourself counting sheep more than normal, battling fatigue all day regardless of how much sleep you get, and then having a difficult time falling asleep at night (even though you’re exhausted). All of these problems began about the same time you also started to notice that your mobile phone, radio, and television were becoming hard to hear.

Come to find out, you’re not imagining it. It’s well documented that individuals who have hearing loss frequently have a hard time falling asleep, but precisely why is not really understood. There are, naturally, a handful of theories:

• You can be kept awake by tinnitus which can cause humming, ringing, or thumping sounds in your ears. (It can become a vicious cycle because loss of sleep can worsen your tinnitus symptoms).
• Loss of hearing is linked to depression, and depression can result in chemical imbalances in the brain that interrupt your sleep cycle. This makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• As you develop hearing loss, your brain begins straining, it’s searching for stimulus from your ears where there isn’t. Your entire cycle could be thrown off if your brain is working overtime attempting to hear (It’s the typical problem of not being able to get the brain to stop).

Can Your Sleep be Improved by Wearing Hearing Aids?

According to one study, 59% of people who were hearing aid wearers noted feeling satisfied with their sleep, in comparison to a 44% satisfaction rate in people who don’t use hearing aids. So are hearing aids a sleep aid or what?

Not really. If you don’t have loss of hearing, a hearing aid can’t cure insomnia.

But if you suffer from hearing loss related insomnia, hearing aids could help in several important ways:

• Isolation: If you’re out on the town, hooking up with the people in your social sphere, you’re less likely to feel depressed and isolated. Hearing aids make building relationships smoother (sleep cycle issues that cause “cabin fever” can also be lessened).
• Strain: The burden on your brain will essentially reduced by wearing hearing aids. And your brain won’t be as likely to strain while falling asleep if it isn’t struggling all of the rest of the time.
• Tinnitus: Depending on the nature and cause of your tinnitus, hearing aids could provide a practical way of treating that ringing and buzzing. This can assist you to get some sleep by stopping that vicious cycle.

Getting Better Quality Sleep With Hearing Aids

It’s not just the number of hours that’s significant here. In order for your sleep to be actually refreshing, it’s important that you reach a targeted level to your z’s. Hearing aids can enhance your ability to achieve a restful nights sleep because loss of hearing without hearing aids can reduce deep sleep.

it should be mentioned that even though they’ll help benefit your sleep, most hearing aids are not meant to be worn at night. They aren’t going to help you hear better when you’re sleeping (for instance, you won’t hear your alarm clock better). And your hearing aids can definitely wear out quicker if you wear them at night. It’s wearing them during the day that helps you achieve better sleep.

Go to Bed!

Getting a restful night’s sleep is a precious thing. Adequate sleep can keep your immune system in good condition, reduce stress levels, and help you think more clearly. Balanced sleep habits have even been connected to reduced risks for heart disease and diabetes.

When your hearing loss begins to affect your sleep schedule, it’s not just a small irritation, insomnia can often become a serious health problem. Thankfully, people report having better quality sleep with hearing aids.