Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For individuals with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be enhanced by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which often come with hearing loss. The solution to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can produce feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and others in their life also noted the difference.
Another study revealed that people 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 did not show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they require to improve their lives.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use 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 think your hearing is okay. You think that people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s crucial to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.