Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those who have hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a horrible cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can produce feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with indications of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they need to better their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
Another factor could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s vital that anyone who has dealt with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing tested. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.
