We have all heard of feel good endorphins and good serotonin levels. But did you know they are both important ingredients when we start tallying up better hearing needs. They play an important role in our emotional well-being and how we experience the world around us…including how hear. When we laugh and socialize and even when we exercise, endorphins are released and our serotonin levels are elevated. Listening music is also a a great serotonin booster. The result is a happy body and brain with less stress. They actually act as our body’s internal reward system creating a sense of well-being and happiness.
When we are relaxed, calm and positive the brain will processes sound more efficiently. Our hearing is deeply connected to brain function. When we are stressed, uptight, anxious or fatigued it interferes with the brain’s ability to process sounds properly…especially in challenging environments like noisy restaurants. On the other hand, when your endorphin levels are elevated the brain can actually help you to filter unwanted background noise to interpret speech better.
Thus; if you can hear better and socialize better you will be emotionally better. Healthier and happier. People with untreated hearing loss often experience social withdrawal and this in turn may result in a loss of joyful interactions that would trigger endorphin release. If this continues then it will create a vicious cycle where both your mood and hearing perception will decline.
So try and engage in activities that stimulate and boost your endorphins. These include: walking outdoors in nature, spending time with loved ones and listening to music. These activities will support your mental wellness and auditory processing. The next step is to address any hearing difficulties you may be have.
If you are finding yourself withdrawing.. and not really sure why, it may be time to have your hearing tested. We are here to help! Call 385-3497 and set up a time for your consultation. To Hear Better Is To Live Better!!
By: Roseann B. Kiefer, B.A., BC-HIS