Hearing Aids can help reduce the negative effects of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But a greater occurrence of depression and feelings of isolation happens when hearing loss goes untreated and undiagnosed.
It can also result in a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a problem that doesn’t have to happen, and managing your hearing loss is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Research Connects Hearing Loss to Depression
Symptoms of depression have been consistently connected, according to countless studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to impact individuals over the age of 50 who struggle with neglected hearing loss. They were also more likely to stay away from social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, relationships were improved for individuals who used hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t record a higher occurrence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But all other demographics include people who aren’t receiving the help that they need for their hearing loss. And individuals who participated in a different study reported that those participants who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
Mental Health is Impacted by Resistance to Using Hearing Aids
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to get assistance with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two main reasons. First, some people simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that bad. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are talking quietly on purpose. Also, it’s relatively common for people to have no clue they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
It’s essential that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions due to people talking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing examined. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be talked about. You could possibly feel a lot better if you consult a hearing specialist.