Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the prevalent condition of hearing loss. Unfortunately, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and unaddressed. For individuals with hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-isolation and depression.
And these feelings of depression and isolation can be enhanced 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 depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can produce feelings of isolation and depression for a long time now. Adults older than 50 with untreated hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to steer clear of social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting mad at them and they didn’t know why. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For people with hearing loss of more than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Increased depression wasn’t reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population isn’t getting the help they require to improve their lives.
Mental health can be impacted by refusal to use hearing aids or to lack of awareness
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that others are mumbling.
Another issue could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s important to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That may be all you need to feel a whole lot better.
