Hearing Aids can help reduce the negative effects of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude happens when hearing loss goes untreated and undiagnosed.
It can also lead to a strain in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of isolation and depression. This is a problem that doesn’t have to happen, and managing your hearing loss is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Research Connects Depression to Hearing Loss
Symptoms of depression have been continuously linked, according to several studies, to hearing loss. One study of people with neglected hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to stay away from social activities. Many reported that they felt as if people were getting frustrated with them for no apparent reason. Still, those who used hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also noticed improvements.
A different study found that individuals between the ages of 18 and 70, revealed a greater feeling of depression if they suffered from hearing loss of more than 25 decibels. Individuals over the age of 70 with a self-reported hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a significant difference in depression rates in comparison to people who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But that still indicates that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to improve their lives. And people who took part in a different study revealed that those people who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
Mental Health is Impacted by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would want to get assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have prevented people from finding help. One is that some simply don’t think their hearing is that bad. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are talking quietly on purpose. The other factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
If you are someone who frequently 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 examination. If there’s hearing loss, that person needs to discuss which hearing aid is right for them. Consulting a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.