Hearing loss is a common affliction that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But a higher incident of depression and feelings of isolation occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
It can also result in a strain in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of isolation and depression. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Countless Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to countless studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to affect people over 50 who have untreated hearing loss. And it was also more likely that those people would retreat from social involvement. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. However, relationships were improved for those who got hearing aids, who stated that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as documented by a different study, by individuals who had a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. Individuals over 70 with a self-reported hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a major contrast in depression rates in comparison to people without hearing loss. But all other demographics include individuals who aren’t getting the help that they require for their hearing loss. And individuals who took part in another study revealed that those participants who managed their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
Mental Health is Impacted by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
With reported results like those, you would imagine that people would wish to treat their hearing loss. But people don’t seek out help for two main reasons. One is that some simply don’t think their hearing is that impaired. They assume that others are deliberately talking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s fairly common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are someone who regularly feels like people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing test. If there is hearing loss, that person needs to talk about which hearing aid is best for them. Seeing a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.