Hearing Aids can help lessen the negative consequence of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. Still, a lot of hearing loss goes undiscovered and neglected – and that can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in people who suffer from hearing loss.
It can also result in a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a problem that doesn’t have to take place, and managing your hearing loss is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Connected to Depression by Numerous Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently connected, according to several studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to impact individuals over the age of 50 who have untreated hearing loss. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many couldn’t understand why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. However, relationships were enhanced for those who got hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all recognized the difference.
A more profound sense of depression is experienced, as reported by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t report a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But that still indicates that a large part of the population is not getting the assistance they require to better their lives. Another study revealed that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to get assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have prevented people from seeking help. Some people assume that their hearing is functioning just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are speaking quietly on purpose. The other factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are somebody who frequently thinks people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If there is hearing loss, that person needs to talk about which hearing aid is right for them. You could possibly feel a lot better if you go to see a hearing specialist.