Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-isolation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. This is a vicious cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is linked to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially active. Many stated that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they noticed improvements.
Another study revealed that people between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they require to better their lives.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You might think people are mumbling.
You might just think it costs too much.
It’s essential that anybody who has dealt with symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling a lot, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. That may be all you need to feel so much better.