Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you age. And scientists have recognized a strong connection between the two that shouldn’t be ignored and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
Depression is twice as likely in people who have untreated hearing loss. Close to 27% more people with untreated hearing loss reported “frequently feeling sad” in contrast to people who used a hearing aid.
They were also 39% more likely to feel that the people around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to avoid social experiences they once enjoyed.
There’s an even sadder statistic you should be aware of, though you won’t really like it. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our ideas about hearing loss will be totally altered by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a harmless condition for centuries. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. The person would just get by and go on to live the rest of their life healthily, safely, and happily. Beyond hearing impairment, it was thought that loss of hearing had no other adverse health effects.
Now we know better. One of the impacts hearing loss can have on your overall health is investigated in this study.
This significant and well-structured study forces us to reconsider hearing loss as a society.
How was this research done?
Committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) conducted this research and surveyed more than 2000 individuals 50 and older. People with neglected hearing loss and people who used hearing aids were among the participants. They asked clinically-relevant questions to determine the levels of:
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Paranoia
- Depression
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. What they reported helped to give the participant’s comments validity. With this added verification, this research becomes even more relevant when we discuss the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are affected by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to develop eating disorders that can lead to acute obesity or significant loss of weight. They are more likely to experience insomnia and loss of memory.
They have decreased reaction time, which can result in severe injuries while cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, leading to complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The risk of falls for older people is also elevated when a person has depression.
As the hearing loss advances, depression gets worse. The individual often becomes less capable of caring for themselves as loneliness and solitude set in.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
About 75% of people who should use hearing aids don’t wear them. That’s right. For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted effects are entirely unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking steps to prevent it.
Why so many decide not to wear a hearing aid
Many individuals who don’t use a hearing aid actually do own one. They just don’t use it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be advantageous for these people. Today’s hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more discreet. This makes them seem more like an extension of your smart technology and less like a hearing aid.
Price is also a problem for a smaller yet substantial number of individuals. States and insurance companies are now recognizing the link between neglected hearing loss and overall health. Hearing aids are, due to this, becoming more available and cost-effective. And neglected hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of people don’t take into account. They’re not aware of how hearing loss will impact their health and quality of life. In just a few years, your overall health cost can go up by as much as 40% because of unaddressed hearing loss.
What can you do to lessen hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Be proud to wear your hearing aid. Help fight the stigma people feel about using a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Maximize your hearing in every situation with your modern hearing aid by taking a little time to learn the advanced features. If you’re just turning the volume up and down, you’re not getting the most from your hearing aid. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid for a while, meet with us for a demo.
Consult us as soon as possible about the most effective way to utilize your hearing aid, particularly if you recognize that you’re not getting the most out of it and are tempted to leave it at home.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
