New research has demonstrated a strong link between hearing loss and mental health.
And there’s something else that both of these disorders have in common – they frequently go unacknowledged and untreated by patients and health professionals. For millions of people who are searching for solutions to mental health issues, identifying this connection could bring potential improvements.
The effect of hearing loss on mental health has only been addressed by a few studies even though hearing loss is very common.
Research has revealed that over 11 percent of people with measurable hearing loss also had signs of clinical depression. Depression was only reported by 5 percent of the general population so this finding is noteworthy. Depression was evaluated by the severity and frequency of the symptoms and a basic questionnaire based on self-reporting of hearing loss was utilized. Individuals who were between 18 and 69 had the highest instance of depression. Dr. Chuan-Ming Li, a scientist at NICDC and the author of this study, found “a substantial link between severe depression and hearing loss”.
Your Risk of Depression Doubles With Neglected Hearing Loss
Another study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, found that individuals with age-related hearing loss (an extremely common chronic condition in senior citizens) experienced more signs of depression and the worse the hearing loss – the higher the chance of having depressive symptoms. Participants were assessed for depression after taking an audiometric hearing test. This research also reported that the risk of depression almost doubles in people with even slight hearing loss. Even more startling, mild hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated by many individuals over 70 which has also been demonstrated to raise the danger of cognitive decline and dementia. Obviously, there’s a connection between the two even though a strong cause and effect relationship hasn’t yet been established.
Hearing is essential to being active and communicating successfully. Anxiety, embarrassment, and potential loss of self-esteem can be the result of the social and professional blunders that come with hearing loss. If left unaddressed, these feelings can result in a steady withdrawal. People withdraw from family and friends as well as from physical activity. After a while, this can lead to isolation, loneliness – and depression.
Hearing is About More Than Just Ears
Hearing loss is about more than the ears as is underscored by its relationship with depression. Hearing affects your overall health, the brain, quality of life, and healthy aging. This emphasizes the critical role of the hearing care professional within the scope of general healthcare. Confusion, frustration, and fatigue are frequently an issue for people who deal with hearing loss.
The good news: The problem can be significantly enhanced by having a hearing test and treatment as soon as you recognize hearing loss symptoms. These risks are considerably decreased, according to studies, with early treatment. It is vital that physicians advise routine hearing exams. Hearing impairment isn’t the only thing that a hearing exam can reveal, after all. Caregivers should also watch for symptoms of depression in patients who may be dealing with either or both. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, irritability, and overall loss of interest and sadness are all symptoms.
Don’t suffer in silence. If you think you have hearing loss, call us to schedule a hearing assessment.
References
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/1835392
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2781095
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2682653
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