Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be utilized to treat the common condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For individuals who suffered from hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be increased by the breakdown of work and personal relationships which often come with hearing loss. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and its connection to depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is connected to experiencing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently describe feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they weren’t sure why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social situation, and other people in their life also noted the difference.
Another study found 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 people who need assistance and aren’t receiving it.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids impacts mental health
It seems as if it would be clear that you should treat your hearing loss when you read reports like this. Maybe you believe your hearing is fine. You think that people are mumbling.
You may just think it costs too much.
It’s crucial 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 might be all that you need to feel so much better.