Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated easily with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is frequently neglected and untreated. For individuals who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional 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 key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss often report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
Another study revealed that individuals between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 Decibels. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But there are still a lot of people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
It seems as if it would be clear that you should get your hearing loss treated when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is okay. You might think people are mumbling.
You may just think it costs too much.
It’s important to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. It could help you feel a lot better.