Hearing loss is a common problem that can be mitigated 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 quickly become a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss cause a breakdown in work and personal relationship causing even worse depression and isolation. This is a difficulty that doesn’t have to take place, and managing your hearing loss is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Countless Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to several studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, according to one study, more likely to impact people over 50 who struggle with neglected hearing loss. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many reported that they felt as if people were getting angry at them for no reason. Still, those who used hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also saw improvements.
A more profound sense of depression is experienced, as documented by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t report an increased incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the assistance they need to better their lives. And people who participated in another study reported that those people who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would wish to seek out help with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two principal reasons. One is that some simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that impaired. They assume that others are intentionally talking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s fairly common for people to have no clue they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
It’s imperative that anyone who has experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions due to people speaking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing tested. If there’s hearing loss, that person should talk about which hearing aid is right for them. You could possibly feel a lot better if you consult a hearing specialist.