Hearing loss is a prevalent problem that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, a lot of hearing loss goes undiagnosed and untreated – and that can lead to higher depression rates and feelings of isolation in people with hearing loss.
And it can quickly become a vicious circle where isolation and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in personal and work relationship leading to even worse depression and solitude. This is a problem that doesn’t have to happen, and managing your hearing loss is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Numerous Studies
Researchers have found in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is linked to the progression of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and paranoia were, according to one study, more likely to impact people over the age of 50 who struggle with neglected hearing loss. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting angry with them. Still, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people in their lives – friends, co-workers, and family – also observed improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by individuals who had a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t report a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was individuals over the age of 70. But all other demographics include people who aren’t getting the help that they need for their hearing loss. Another study discovered that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Wear Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
It seems apparent that with these kinds of outcomes people would wish to get help with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two principal reasons. One is that some simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that impaired. They assume that others are deliberately talking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s fairly common for people to be clueless about their hearing problem. To them, it seems like other people get tired of talking to them.
It’s vital that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions due to people talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing examined. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid options should be talked about. Seeing a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel much better.
