Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For people with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be enhanced by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which frequently accompany hearing loss. The solution to ending that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many said that they thought people were getting mad at them for no reason. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and others in their life also noticed the difference.
Another study revealed that individuals between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people 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 use hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
You may just think it costs too much.
It’s crucial to get a hearing assessment if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. That might be all you need to feel so much better.