Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be enhanced by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. The key to ending that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss often report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
Another study revealed that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Increased depression wasn’t reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a great many individuals who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You might think people are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. That might be all you need to feel so much better.
