Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those with hearing loss.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which often come with hearing loss. The key to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can produce feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss often report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them felt like people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
For people with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more common. Increased depression was not reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems like it would be obvious that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You may think people are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you believe treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. It could help you feel much better.