Hearing loss is a prevalent affliction that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But a greater occurrence of depression and feelings of isolation occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiscovered.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in personal and work relationship resulting in even worse depression and solitude. This is a problem that doesn’t have to happen, and managing your hearing loss is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Countless Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and paranoia were, based upon one study, more likely to affect individuals over 50 who struggle with neglected hearing loss. And it was also more likely that that group would retreat 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 noticed improvements.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by individuals who had a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t report an increased occurrence of depression even with hearing loss was individuals over the age of 70. But all other demographics have individuals who aren’t receiving the help that they need for their hearing loss. And people who participated in a different study revealed that those participants who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
With documented results like those, you might imagine that people would want to treat their hearing loss. But people don’t seek out help for two main reasons. First, some people simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that impaired. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are talking softly on purpose. Also, it’s relatively common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
It’s vital that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being excluded from interactions because they are speaking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, that person should talk about which hearing aid is best for them. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.