Assistive listening devices and hearing aids can be used to treat the common condition of hearing loss. But hearing loss is frequently ignored and untreated. For people who suffered from 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 contributes to more feelings of depression and isolation. The solution to putting a stop to that downward spiral is treating your hearing loss.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve been aware that hearing loss can lead to feelings of separation 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 also reported being less socially active. A lot of them had the feeling that people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. However, those who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and those around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Increased depression was not reported by people over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to better their lives.
Lack of awareness or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
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 are mumbling.
Another factor could be that you think treating your hearing loss is too costly or time consuming.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxiety or depression. If there is hearing loss, we can talk over your options. That might be all that you need to feel a whole lot better.