LWB Newsletter 6th June 2024
Hearing aid and headphone technology is starting to cross over more and more, with huge potential benefits.
One of the challenges with noise cancelling technology is allowing some sounds through whilst blocking others – similar to the challenge of hearing aids separating speech from noise.
Researchers from the University of Washington have been finding ways of using AI to enhance what someone can hear based on their listening preferences.
They have created an AI system called ‘Target Speech Hearing’ where a person wearing headphones can listen to one person in a noisy environment by looking at them for a few seconds to ‘enroll them’ and pressing a button.
The headphones then cancel out all other voices, even if the speaker moves around. At the moment it can only track one voice at a time.
The system is still evolving, and isn’t available commercially yet, but the researchers plan to see how their system could work in ear pods and hearing aids in the future
This could mean huge improvements for hearing aid users who often struggle to hear speech in noise.
Missing out on what others are saying is the main reason that social situations are stressful for people with hearing loss.
But did you know that anxiety can also affect your ability to hear well?
According to this research, the physical symptoms of anxiety – muscle tension, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, can also make tinnitus worse.
Many studies have shown a corelation between anxiety and tinnitus. During panic attacks, some people experience a loud ringing sound or a feeling of fullness in the ears.
When you’re feeling anxious, all your senses are on the lookout for threats, including your hearing. This means that it will be harder to concentrate on a conversation and hear what’s being said as your brain is focusing on other sounds.
This means that background noise may seem louder than usual, adding to the stress.
There are many ways to reduce anxiety, such as physical exercise, practicing self care, mindfulness as well as journaling.
You don’t have to see yourself as a writer to start journaling. And there’s no right or wrong way to start. You might want to write a list of accomplishments each day, or write about a certain event or task to get your thoughts in order.
You may want to get creative with your journal and use drawings, doodles or photos from your day. The process itself can calm your mind, gain some clarity around your thoughts and improve your wellbeing
This article from mindful explores the benefits of mindful journaling and how to get started
In my latest blog posts I’ve discussed the benefits of mindfulness for those with hearing loss. Whilst practicing mindfulness can’t bring your hearing back, it can help with self compassion and acceptance, and help you to move forwards.
The second post is about sign language, and the wellbeing benefits of learning something new and creating a new support network. I love learning sign language. I’m not fluent enough to coach or run courses in BSL yet, but love the idea of being able to support others in the future.
TUE, MAY 28
How Mindfulness Can Help With Hearing Loss
Whilst there is plenty of technical help for hearing loss, from hearing aids and sound streamers to transcription apps, there is less support for the emotional side of losing your hearing.
TUE, JUN 04
How learning sign language can support your wellbeing
As a life coach, I’m often encouraging clients to try new things.
Learning a new skill engages your brain in a different way than work does and it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Talk soon,
Sue.
Founder of Live Work Breathe