Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. 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 active. Many said that they thought 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 saw improvements.
Another study revealed 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 self-reported hearing loss did not show a significant difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they need to better their lives.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems like it would be obvious that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You think that people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing exam if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. That might be all that you need to feel so much better.
