Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those with hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can produce feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with indications of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially involved. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting mad at them and they weren’t sure 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.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a major difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But there are still a great many individuals who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems like it would be clear that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you believe your hearing is okay. You think that people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking really quietly or mumbling a lot, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That may be all that you need to feel so much better.
