Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently neglected and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which often accompany hearing loss. This is a horrible cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially involved. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they noticed improvements.
Another study found that individuals between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a great many individuals who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids impacts mental health
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you believe your hearing is okay. You think that people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s vital that anybody who has dealt with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.