Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For people who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-isolation 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 its link to depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. One study of people 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 refrain from social activities. Many stated that they thought people were getting angry at them for no reason. 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 wasn’t reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they require to improve their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use 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. Perhaps you just don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
You may just think it’s too costly.
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. That might be all you need to feel so much better.