Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation and depression.
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 vicious cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its link to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can lead to feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. One study of individuals with untreated hearing loss found that adults 50 years old and older were more likely to describe symptoms of depression, along with indications of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also said they noticed improvements.
For individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. People 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 assistance and aren’t getting it.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That may be all you need to feel a whole lot better.