Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often ignored and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work 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 connection to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can lead to feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. One study of people with untreated 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 were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting mad 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 stated that they noticed improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You might think people are mumbling.
You may just think it’s too costly.
It’s crucial to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. It could help you feel a lot better.