Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often neglected and untreated. For individuals with hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. One study of people with untreated 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 were also more likely to steer clear of social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
For people 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 there are still a great many people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You think that people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s vital that anyone who has dealt with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling a lot, get their hearing checked. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.
