Hearing Aids can help reduce the negative consequence of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of isolation occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiagnosed.
It can also result in a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Connected to Depression by Many Studies
Researchers have found in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is connected to the progression of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new trend. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, based upon one study, more likely to affect people over 50 who have untreated hearing loss. And it was also more likely that those people would withdraw from social engagement. Many said that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also noticed improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is experienced, as reported by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t report a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But that still indicates that a significant part of the population is not getting the assistance they need to improve their lives. Another study revealed that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who suffered from hearing loss but who did not use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Impacted by Opposition to Wearing Hearing Aids
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from finding help. First, some people simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that impaired. They assume that others are deliberately speaking quietly or mumbling. Also, it’s quite common for people to have no clue they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
It’s vital that anybody who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being excluded from interactions because they are speaking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing examined. If there’s hearing loss, that person needs to talk about which hearing aid is right for them. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.