Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the common condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those who have hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional 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 key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can cause feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many stated that they thought people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a big difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That might be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.
