Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often ignored and untreated. This can result in greater depression rates and feelings of separation in those who have hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a vicious cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the solution to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can produce feelings of solitude 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 refrain from social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they saw 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 dB. Increased depression was not reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a lot of individuals who need help and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
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 may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
You may just think it’s too costly.
It’s crucial to get a hearing exam if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. If there is hearing loss, we can talk about your options. That may be all you need to feel so much better.