Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be alleviated simply with the use of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For individuals with 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. The key to ending that downward spiral is getting treatment for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
It’s true that untreated hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss often describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They also reported being less socially active. A lot of them felt like people were getting mad at them and they weren’t sure why. However, people 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 individuals with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Individuals over the age of 70 with self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a significant difference in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But there are still a lot of individuals who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
It seems like it would be clear that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too expensive or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing assessment if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can discuss your options. That may be all that you need to feel so much better.