Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For individuals who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is linked to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of individuals with untreated hearing loss found 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 steer clear of social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting mad 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 noted the difference.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Increased depression wasn’t reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of individuals who need help and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you believe your hearing is fine. You think that others are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all that you need to feel so much better.