Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative effects of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher incident of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
It can also result in a strain in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of isolation and depression. Getting hearing loss treated is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Connected to Depression by Many Studies
Researchers have discovered in numerous studies that neglected hearing loss is connected to the development of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. One study of individuals with neglected hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, along with signs of anxiety and paranoia. They were also more likely to avoid social experiences. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. Still, those who wore hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – friends, co-workers, and family – also observed improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as documented by a different study, by individuals who had a 25 decibel or more hearing impairment. Individuals over 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a major difference in depression rates in comparison to people who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But all other demographics contain individuals who aren’t receiving the help that they need for their hearing loss. And people who took part in a different study revealed that those people who managed their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Wear Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
With reported outcomes like those, you would think that people would wish to deal with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from seeking help. Some people believe that their hearing is functioning just fine when it actually isn’t. They assume that people are purposely speaking quietly or mumbling. The second factor is that some people may not recognize that they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are somebody who regularly feels like people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If your hearing specialist detects hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be talked about. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.