Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative effects of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But a greater occurrence of depression and feelings of isolation happens when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss cause a breakdown in work and personal relationship resulting in even worse depression and isolation. Getting hearing loss treated is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Countless Studies
Researchers have discovered in numerous studies that neglected hearing loss is linked to the progression of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss found that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to refrain from social experiences. Many said that they felt as if people were getting frustrated with them for no apparent reason. However, relationships were improved for people who wore hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. Individuals over 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But that still indicates that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to better their lives. A different study discovered that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who suffered from hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
With documented benefits like those, you might imagine that people would wish to manage their hearing loss. However, two factors have prevented people from getting help. Some people think that their hearing is working just fine when it actually isn’t. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are speaking quietly on purpose. The second factor is that some people may not recognize that they have a hearing loss. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are someone who regularly thinks people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing test. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid options should be talked about. You could possibly feel a lot better if you go to see a hearing specialist.