Hearing Aids can help lessen the negative consequence of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. Still, a lot of hearing loss goes undiagnosed and untreated – and that can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in people who suffer from hearing loss.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where isolation and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in work and personal relationship resulting in even worse depression and solitude. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Research Connects Depression to Hearing Loss
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. One study of people with untreated hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, and signs of paranoia or anxiety. And it was also more likely that that group would withdraw from social involvement. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting angry with them. Still, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also saw improvements.
A different study found that individuals between the ages of 18 and 70, revealed a more acute feeling of depression if they had hearing loss of greater than 25 dB. The only group that didn’t report a higher occurrence of depression even with hearing loss was people over the age of 70. But all other demographics have individuals who aren’t getting the help that they require for their hearing loss. A different study revealed that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Affected by Opposition to Using Hearing Aids
It seems apparent that with these kinds of outcomes people would wish to get assistance with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two principal reasons. Some people assume that their hearing is working just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are talking quietly on purpose. Also, it’s relatively common for people to be clueless about their hearing problem. To them, it seems like others get tired of talking to them.
If you are somebody who regularly feels like people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If there is hearing loss, that person should talk about which hearing aid is right for them. Seeing us may be all that is needed to feel much better.