Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is frequently neglected and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which frequently come with hearing loss. This is a vicious cycle that can be avoided, 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 experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they noticed improvements.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population isn’t getting the help they require to better their lives.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
It seems like it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.
