Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be enhanced by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which frequently accompany hearing loss. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of people with neglected hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially involved. A lot of them felt like people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Increased depression was not reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they require to better their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids impacts mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You might think people aren’t speaking clearly.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s important to get a hearing assessment if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. That might be all you need to feel so much better.
