Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be increased by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. The key to putting a stop to that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can cause feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. One study of people with neglected hearing loss revealed 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 stated that they thought people were getting angry at them for no reason. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
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 didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need help 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 crucial to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. It could help you feel much better.