Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative consequence of the common condition of hearing loss. But a greater incident of depression and feelings of isolation happens when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
It can also lead to a breakdown in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of isolation and depression. Getting hearing loss treated is the key to ending this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Many Studies
Symptoms of depression have been continuously connected, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. One study of people who suffer from neglected hearing loss found that adults 50 years or older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, and signs of anxiety and paranoia. They were also more likely to avoid social experiences. Many said that they felt as if people were getting frustrated with them for no apparent reason. However, those who used hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also saw improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is experienced, as reported by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t record an increased incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But all other demographics have people who aren’t receiving the help that they need for their hearing loss. Another study revealed that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who had hearing loss but who did not use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Impacted by Opposition to Using Hearing Aids
With documented outcomes like those, you might think that people would need to manage their hearing loss. However, two factors have prevented people from getting help. Some people believe that their hearing is working just fine when it actually isn’t. They think that people are intentionally speaking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s quite common for people to be clueless about their hearing impairment. To them, it seems as if other people don’t want to talk to them.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions due to people talking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing tested. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid options should be discussed. Consulting a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel much better.