Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently neglected and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which often come with hearing loss. The key to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can lead to feelings of solitude 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 avoid social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
For individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Increased depression wasn’t reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need assistance and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems like it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you believe your hearing is fine. You think that others are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s essential that anyone who has experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling a lot, get their hearing tested. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That might be all you need to feel a whole lot better.