Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For individuals who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. The key to putting a stop to that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of people with neglected hearing loss revealed that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to steer clear of social activities. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, those 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 individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a significant difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need help and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems as if it would be clear that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s essential that anyone who has dealt with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all that you need to feel so much better.