Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For individuals with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss often describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. Many said that they thought people were getting mad at them for no reason. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and others in their life also noted 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. People over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a big difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to improve their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You might think people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing assessment if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can discuss your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel a lot better.