Hearing Aids can help reduce the negative effects of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher incident of depression and feelings of isolation happens when hearing loss goes untreated and undiscovered.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where isolation and depression from hearing loss cause a breakdown in personal and work relationship causing even worse depression and solitude. Treating hearing loss is the key to preventing this unnecessary cycle.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Many Studies
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, based upon one study, more likely to impact people over the age of 50 who have untreated hearing loss. And it was also more likely that that group would retreat from social engagement. Many stated that they felt like people were getting angry at them for no apparent reason. Still, those who wore hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – friends, co-workers, and family – also observed improvements.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. Individuals over the age of 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t demonstrate a major contrast in depression rates compared to individuals without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the assistance they require to improve their lives. Another study discovered that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who suffered from hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Affected by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
With documented outcomes like those, you would imagine that people would want to manage their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from finding help. Some people think that their hearing is working just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are speaking quietly on purpose. The other factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing impairment. To them, it seems as if other people don’t want to talk to them.
If you are someone who regularly thinks people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If there is hearing loss, that person should talk about which hearing aid is best for them. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.