Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a vicious cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Depression and hearing loss
Its true that untreated hearing loss is linked to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of people with untreated hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many said 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 the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 decibels. People over 70 with a self-reported hearing loss did not show a major difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they need to improve their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a nobrainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are talking quietly or mumbling.
Another factor could be that you may think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s vital that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing checked. If there is a hearing loss, discuss your options with a qualified hearing specialist. That may be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.
[blogcta]