Our minds are a lot more sensitive than we often believe. Most people are able to effectively block out certain sounds around us. But just because we are blocking out or ignoring these sounds doesn’t mean that you don’t hear them. Your subconscious is still listening and processing background sounds even though our minds are not actively paying attention to these sounds.
It is however possible for you to become affected by these sounds even though you are hardly aware of them and in many cases, this can result in listening fatigue.
What Is Listening Fatigue?
Listening fatigue is a term used by many professionals even though it isn’t officially recognised as a medical condition. This phenomenon can occur when you are exposed to auditory stimuli for long periods of time. This can happen when you are constantly surrounded by sounds like traffic, people talking, children playing, loud music, dogs barking, and other types of sounds.
Signs That You Are Suffering From Listening Fatigue
Not everyone who finds themselves in a noisy environment will be affected. It is usually people who are sensitive to sounds that are most likely to develop this condition. Those with hearing loss also have a higher chance of developing listening fatigue because their minds have to focus and use a lot more energy to perform auditory tasks.
Listening fatigue can have similar symptoms to other conditions like a poor immune system, stress, or depression. This can make it difficult to determine whether you have listening fatigue or some other issue. Here is a quick look at the top signs that you might be struggling with this common condition.
You Suffer From Hearing Loss
People with hearing problems are much more likely to start suffering from listening fatigue because their mind is constantly strained to process and understand the sounds they hear. You also need to focus a lot more on lips and voices when communicating. This extra attention and use of energy can make you feel exhausted just a couple of hours into the day.
You Feel Exhausted After the Day
If sounds are stressing you out and you need to focus hard to hear what everyone says, you will quickly feel your energy levels slip. You will start to feel tired just a few hours into the day and, by night time, you will likely be exhausted.
You Often Have a Tough Time Processing Speech
Did you ever see someone speak to you but find your mind unable to comprehend what they are saying? This isn’t always a sign of hearing loss. It can simply mean that your auditory senses have been overstimulated and your mind is having a tough time processing the sounds you hear. If this commonly happens then you likely have listener fatigue.
You Are Hypersensitive To Sounds
Over time, your ability to block out certain sounds can be affected and you might become hypersensitive to sounds. Even sounds that normally wouldn’t bother you at all can suddenly start to annoy you.
You Are Constantly Surrounded By Loud Sounds
Those working in loud environments or living in busy neighbourhoods are very likely to develop listener fatigue. This is because your subconscious is constantly processing sounds and paying attention to noises even while you sleep or try to relax.
You Feel Frustrated
Sounds can be annoying, tiring, and energy draining. All of this can make you feel extremely frustrated. The smallest things will start to annoy you.
The best way to deal with listening fatigue is to give your ears and mind a break and the best way to do this is by getting soundproofing for your bedroom or office. With soundproofing, you can get your needed rest so your energy levels can replenish. To create the perfect soundproof environment, you should get add-on double glazing from Stop Noise. These professionals have affordable window and door soundproofing solutions that can help you live a much more comfortable life.
This entry was posted in Blog on July 22nd, 2022. by StopNoise.