Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and specific cognitive concerns as you get older. And scientists have found a strong connection between the two that shouldn’t be ignored and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
Depression is two times as likely in individuals who have untreated hearing loss. In contrast to individuals who use a hearing aid, regular feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have untreated hearing loss.
They were also 39% more likely to feel that the people around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social activities they once loved.
Let’s look at this fascinating study and an even sadder statistic you won’t want to hear but should be aware of. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
Our beliefs about hearing loss will be entirely changed by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a harmless condition for centuries. It was believed that the other senses would merely compensate. The person would just get by and go on to live the rest of their days healthily, safely, and happily. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health affects beyond the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that isn’t the situation. One of the impacts hearing loss can have on your general health is investigated in this study.
As a society, we will need to rethink hearing loss based on this well-structured and compelling study.
How was this research done?
Dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) carried out this study and surveyed over 2000 people 50 and older. The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with untreated hearing loss. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to identify the levels of the following:
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
Over 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. What they reported helped to give the participant’s statements validity. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more significant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How depression impacts health and quality of life
Eating disorders like severe obesity or extreme weight loss are more likely in individuals who cope with depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Memory loss and insomnia are also more prevalent in those with neglected hearing loss.
They have diminished reaction time, which can result in significant injuries when cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Healing is slower in individuals who suffer from depression and that can result in longer hospital stays.
The risk of falls for older people is also elevated when a person suffers from depression.
Depression progresses as hearing loss progresses. The person often becomes less able to care for themselves as loneliness and solitude set in.
Now, let’s take a look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of individuals who need hearing aids actually wear them. That’s right. Many people have the means to shield themselves from depression by using hearing aids but for some reason abstain from taking the steps.
Why do so many people avoid using a hearing aid?
Many people who don’t use a hearing aid actually do own one. They just don’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
These people would benefit from a hearing aid update. Modern hearing aids work better, and they are also more discreet and let people sync with devices. This makes them feel less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart technology.
Price is also an issue for a smaller but substantial number of individuals. States and insurance companies are now starting to recognize the link between untreated hearing loss and total health. Hearing aids are, due to this, becoming more available and cost-effective. And untreated hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which most people don’t take into consideration. They don’t recognize how hearing loss effects their overall life. In only a few years, your total health cost can increase by as much as 40% because of unaddressed hearing loss.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be reduced?
Be proud to wear your hearing aid. Show people how much better you can feel when you’re able to hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Optimize your hearing in every setting with your modern hearing aid by taking a little time to master the advanced features. You’re not getting the most from your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid for a while, meet with us for a demo.
Consult us as soon as possible about the most effective way to utilize your hearing aid, particularly if you feel like you’re not getting the most out of it and are tempted to put it in a drawer.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss