Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can lead to feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss often describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially involved. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
Another study found that individuals between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. People 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 lot of individuals who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
You might just think it costs too much.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. That might be all that you need to feel so much better.