Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often neglected and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and separation can be enhanced by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which often come with hearing loss. This is a horrible cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can cause feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially involved. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they saw improvements.
For people with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Individuals over 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major 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.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be obvious that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
You might just think it’s too costly.
It’s essential that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people seem to be talking really quietly or mumbling a lot, get their hearing tested. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel a lot better.
