Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative effects of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. However, a lot of hearing loss goes undiscovered and untreated – and that can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where isolation and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in work and personal relationship leading to even worse depression and isolation. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Numerous Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to several studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and paranoia were, based upon one study, more likely to impact people over the age of 50 who struggle with untreated hearing loss. And it was also more likely that those people would retreat from social engagement. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting angry with them. However, relationships were improved for those who used hearing aids, who reported that friends, family, and co-workers all recognized the difference.
Another study found that people between the ages of 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they suffered from hearing loss of more than 25 dB. People over the age of 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a major contrast in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But all other demographics contain individuals who aren’t receiving the help that they require for their hearing loss. And people who participated in a different study revealed that those participants who treated their hearing loss using hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Wear Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have prevented people from seeking help. Some people assume that their hearing is working just fine when it actually isn’t. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are speaking softly on purpose. The second factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are someone who regularly feels like people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing examination. If there is hearing loss, that person needs to discuss which hearing aid is right for them. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.