Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be enhanced by the breakdown of work 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 trend. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
Another study revealed that people between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they need to improve their lives.
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 just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You may think people are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s vital that anyone who has dealt with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. It could help you feel much better.