Hearing Aids can help lessen the negative consequence of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. 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 need to happen, and getting that hearing loss treated is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Connected to Depression by Many Studies
Researchers have discovered in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is linked to the advancement of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of individuals 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 avoid social activities. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting angry with them. Still, those who used hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people in their lives – family, co-workers, and friends – also noticed improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as documented by a different study, by individuals who suffered from a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t record a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But all other demographics have individuals who aren’t getting the help that they need for their hearing loss. A different study discovered that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Wear Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out assistance with their hearing loss. But people don’t seek out help for two principal reasons. First, some people simply don’t think their hearing is that bad. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are talking softly on purpose. Also, it’s quite common for people to be clueless about their hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are somebody who regularly thinks people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If there’s hearing loss, that person needs to talk about which hearing aid is right for them. Seeing a good hearing specialist might be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.