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 separation in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. 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
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is linked to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. 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. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and others in their life also noted the difference.
For people with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Increased depression was not reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of individuals who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be clear that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you believe your hearing is fine. You think that others 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 feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling a lot, get their hearing checked. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That might be all you need to feel so much better.