Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-isolation and depression.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. This is a vicious cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and others in their life also noticed the difference.
Another study found 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 the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to better their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids impacts mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. It could help you feel a lot better.