Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. The key to putting a stop to that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is linked to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss revealed 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. Many stated that they thought people were getting angry 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 noticed the difference.
For individuals with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t 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 require to improve their lives.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be clear that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Maybe you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.