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 vicious cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can cause feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. One study of individuals with untreated hearing loss found 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 involved. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they saw improvements.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they need to improve their lives.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you believe your hearing is fine. You may think people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s essential that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of conversations because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing tested. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all you need to feel a whole lot better.