Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be enhanced by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. This is a horrible cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and others in their life also noted the difference.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a major difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But there are still a great many individuals who need help and aren’t receiving 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. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You may think people are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. It could help you feel much better.
