Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For individuals with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation 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. The key to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can produce feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
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 big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to wear hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems as if it would be clear 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.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s imperative that anybody who has dealt with symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. It could help you feel a lot better.