Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the common condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is often neglected and untreated. This can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of solitude in those with hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to ending that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can produce feelings of separation 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 were also more likely to steer clear of social activities. Many said that they thought people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, individuals who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For people with hearing loss of higher 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 there are still a great many individuals who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to treat your hearing loss. Maybe you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because people appear to be talking really quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing checked. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. That might be all you need to feel so much better.