Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is connected to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of individuals with untreated hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with indications of paranoia or anxiety. They also reported being less socially involved. Many stated that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and other people in their life also noted the difference.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Increased depression wasn’t reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they need to better their lives.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
It seems as if it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. That may be all that you need to feel so much better.