Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those who have hearing loss.
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 depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can produce feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss often report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and others in their life also noticed the difference.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Increased depression was not reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they need to better their lives.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems like it would be obvious that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is okay. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s imperative that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing assessed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That might be all you need to feel so much better.