Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the common condition of hearing loss. However, hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated. For people with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to ending that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can cause feelings of separation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss often report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting mad at them for no reason. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also stated that they saw improvements.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. People over 70 with self-reported hearing loss did not show a big difference in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they need to improve their lives.
Mental health can be affected by refusal to wear hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you think your hearing is fine. You may think people aren’t speaking clearly.
You may just think it costs too much.
It’s important 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 talk about your options. That may be all you need to feel a whole lot better.
