Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often ignored and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which often accompany hearing loss. The key to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is linked to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and others in their life also noticed the difference.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Increased depression wasn’t reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of individuals who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
It seems as if 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 may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s vital that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.
