Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those with hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a horrible cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can cause feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. One study of individuals with untreated hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with indications of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and others in their life also noticed the difference.
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 dB. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
It seems as if it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You think that others are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s essential that anybody who has experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling a lot, get their hearing assessed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That may be all you need to feel so much better.
