Hearing loss is a prevalent problem that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But a greater incident of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiscovered.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. 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
Researchers have discovered in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is connected to the advancement of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of people who suffer from untreated hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. And it was also more likely that those people would retreat from social involvement. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. However, relationships were enhanced for those who used hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all recognized the difference.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as documented by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. People over 70 with a self-reported hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a major difference in depression rates in comparison to individuals who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But all other demographics contain people who aren’t getting the help that they need for their hearing loss. And individuals who took part in a different study reported that those people who treated their hearing loss using hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
Mental Health is Impacted by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out help with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two main reasons. Some people believe that their hearing is working just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are speaking softly on purpose. Also, it’s quite common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
If you are someone who frequently thinks people are speaking 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 should discuss which hearing aid is best for them. Seeing a good hearing specialist might be all that is needed to feel much better.