Hearing loss is a prevalent affliction that can be mitigated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But a greater occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
And it can quickly become a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in personal and work relationship resulting in even worse depression and isolation. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Studies Link Depression to Hearing Loss
Symptoms of depression have been continuously linked, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, based upon one study, more likely to affect individuals over the age of 50 who struggle with neglected hearing loss. They were also more likely to avoid social experiences. Many said that they felt as if people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, relationships were improved for individuals who got hearing aids, who stated that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by individuals who had a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. People over the age of 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates in comparison to people who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But that still indicates that a significant part of the population is not getting the assistance they need to better their lives. And people who participated in a different study reported that those participants who treated their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Wear Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
With documented outcomes like those, you would imagine that people would wish to treat their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from finding help. Some people think that their hearing is functioning just fine when it really isn’t. They assume that others are deliberately speaking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s quite common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. To them, it seems as if others don’t want to talk to them.
If you are somebody 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 is hearing loss, that person needs to talk about which hearing aid is best for them. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.