Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. 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 its connection to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is linked to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially involved. Many stated that they thought people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also said they saw improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a significant 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 need to better their lives.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems like 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 may just think it costs too much.
It’s essential that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of conversations because people seem to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That might be all you need to feel so much better.
