Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and specific cognitive challenges as you get older. And scientists have found a strong link between the two that shouldn’t be dismissed and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
People with neglected hearing loss are two times as likely to cope with depression. Compared to people who use a hearing aid, regular feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in people who have untreated hearing loss.
They were also 39% more likely to think the people around them get annoyed for “no reason” and 24% more likely to avoid social activities they once enjoyed.
Let’s look at this fascinating study and an even more troubling statistic you won’t want to hear but should know about. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our beliefs about hearing loss will be totally transformed by this study
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been considered a “harmless” condition. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. People would simply go on with their lives trying to live safely, healthily, and happily. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health impact besides the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that’s not the case. This study establishes just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s overall health.
As a society, we will need to rethink hearing loss based on this well-structured and important study.
How the study was carried out
Over 2000 people 50 or older were surveyed in this research conducted by committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with neglected hearing loss. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to determine the levels of the following:
- Paranoia
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also included in this ground-breaking study. They did this to help validate what the participants were reporting. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more relevant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How depression impacts health and quality of life
Eating disorders such as acute obesity or extreme weight loss are more likely in individuals who suffer from depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with untreated hearing loss.
They have decreased reaction time, which can lead to significant injuries whilst cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal more slowly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The danger of falls for older people is also elevated when a person suffers from depression.
Depression worsens as hearing loss progresses. The individual often becomes more and more secluded, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
Now, let’s take a look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of individuals who would benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted impacts are entirely unnecessary and avoidable, yet they’re not taking measures to stop it.
Why so many choose not to wear a hearing aid
Many people who don’t wear a hearing aid actually do own one. They think it makes them look old so they just neglect using it. They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be advantageous for these individuals. Present day hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more subtle. This makes them seem more like an extension of your smart technology and less like a hearing aid.
A smaller but significant number of individuals say they can’t afford one. The link between neglected hearing loss and overall health hazards is now beginning to be recognized by states and insurance companies. They are helping to make hearing aids more affordable and accessible. Additionally, individuals who object to the price of hearing aids also don’t recognize how much-untreated hearing loss can cost them in the long run. They don’t understand how hearing loss impacts their overall life. Untreated hearing loss can increase your total healthcare costs by as much as 40% in just a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Be proud to wear your hearing aid. Help fight the stigma people feel about wearing a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Maximize your hearing in every setting with your modern hearing aid by taking some time to master the advanced features. You’re not getting the most from your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. Get a consultation with us so you can try out these upgraded hearing aids.
If you feel like you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to not use it, talk to us today about how to use your hearing aid more effectively.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
