Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For people with hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which frequently accompany hearing loss. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can lead to feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. One study of people with untreated hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially active. Many said that they thought people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they noticed improvements.
For people with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they need to better their lives.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to wear 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 fine. You may think people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s imperative that anybody who has dealt with symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing tested. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That may be all you need to feel a whole lot better.