Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of professional and personal relationships which frequently accompany hearing loss. This is a vicious cycle that can be prevented, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
Another study revealed that individuals between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Increased depression was not reported by individuals 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 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 get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you think your hearing is okay. You think that others are mumbling.
You may just think it’s too costly.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. That might be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.