Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those who have hearing loss.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can cause feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially involved. Many stated that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. But when those individuals got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noted the difference.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Increased depression wasn’t reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be obvious that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Perhaps you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
You may just think it costs too much.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of conversations because people seem to be talking really quietly or mumbling a lot, have their hearing tested. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel a lot better.