Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often neglected and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of individuals with neglected 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 were also more likely to refrain from social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting mad at them and they weren’t sure why. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they noticed 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. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a big difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population isn’t getting the help they require to improve 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 treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you believe your hearing is okay. You might think people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That may be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.