Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is frequently neglected and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can lead to feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. Many stated that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
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 dB. Increased depression was not reported by individuals 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.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems like 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 are mumbling.
You may just think it’s too costly.
It’s important to get a hearing assessment if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. It could help you feel much better.