Covid struck all of us in a heartfelt place – because of our losses as individuals, as a society, but very much because of our loss of independence and consequent loneliness.

Mental health is as valuable as physical health, and as such, we should make every effort to care for ourselves. How can we ensure that we are caring for our mental health in the best way possible?

Of course, the cornerstones of mental health include getting enough sleep, eating healthily, and breaking away from work to refill the emotional jug with nature, laughter and recreation. But did you know that our mental health is highly reliant on the health of our relationships with others? The Mental Health Foundation of the United Kingdom (2022) reports that in a review of 148 studies,  “the influence of social relationships on the risk of death are comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality such as smoking and alcohol consumption and exceed the influence of other risk factors such as physical inactivity and obesity”.

So what underpins good relationships?

Good communication and listening; an informed and active mind; and an independent and confident outlook, go a very long way to supporting our mental health. People with untreated hearing problems demonstrate higher levels of withdrawal, isolation, depression, and have a significantly greater risk of cognitive decline than those whose hearing losses are well-managed. Access to sound is fundamental to good connection with other people, and our world. Similarly, if we have an untreated balance problem, we have a greater fall risk. And due to a lack confidence and a much higher demand on our concentration, a balance disorder or dizziness can create fatigue and discomfort, which may also lead to isolation and loneliness.

The Audiology Professionals of the Reconnect Audiology Network recommend a hearing and balance check-up as soon as we notice change.

Early intervention saves lives, and quality of life.