Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the common condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is often ignored and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which frequently accompany hearing loss. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation 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 were also more likely to refrain from social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to wear hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems as if it would be clear that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s crucial to get a hearing assessment if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel a lot better.
