Hearing loss is a common affliction that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Still, a lot of hearing loss goes undiagnosed and untreated – and that can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in people who suffer from hearing loss.
It can also result in a breakdown in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of depression and isolation. Treating hearing loss is the key to ending this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Numerous Studies
Symptoms of depression have been continuously connected, according to countless studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to affect individuals over 50 who have neglected hearing loss. And it was also more likely that that group would withdraw from social engagement. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. However, relationships were enhanced for individuals who used hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A different study discovered that individuals between the ages of 18 and 70, revealed a greater feeling of depression if they had hearing loss of greater than 25 decibels. The only group that didn’t document an increased occurrence of depression even with hearing loss was individuals over the age of 70. But that still indicates that a large part of the population is not getting the assistance they need to better their lives. Another study revealed that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who suffered from hearing loss but who did not use hearing aids.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
It seems apparent that with these kinds of outcomes people would wish to get assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from finding help. Some people believe that their hearing is functioning just fine when it actually isn’t. They assume that others are purposely speaking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s quite common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are somebody who frequently feels like people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be discussed. Consulting a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel much better.