Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative consequence of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiscovered.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a difficulty that doesn’t need to take place, and managing your hearing loss is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Studies Link Hearing Loss to Depression
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to countless studies, to hearing loss. One study of individuals who suffer from neglected hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, and signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to stay away from social experiences. 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 reported that friends, family, and co-workers all recognized the difference.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by individuals who suffered from a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t document a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was individuals over the age of 70. But all other demographics have people who aren’t receiving the help that they require for their hearing loss. Another study found that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Affected by Opposition to Wearing Hearing Aids
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out assistance with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two main reasons. Some people assume that their hearing is functioning just fine when it really isn’t. They think that people are purposely talking quietly or mumbling. The other factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions due to people talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing tested. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid options should be talked about. Seeing a good hearing specialist might be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.