Hearing Aids can help decrease the negative consequence of the common condition of hearing loss. However, a lot of hearing loss goes undiagnosed and neglected – and that can result in greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
It can also lead to a breakdown in work and personal relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of isolation and depression. This is a difficulty that doesn’t need to happen, and getting that hearing loss treated is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Many Studies
Symptoms of depression have been continuously connected, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to affect people over the age of 50 who have neglected hearing loss. And it was also more likely that that group would withdraw from social involvement. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. However, relationships were enhanced for individuals who wore hearing aids, who noted that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A different study discovered that individuals between the ages of 18 and 70, revealed a more acute sense of depression if they suffered from hearing loss of more than 25 decibels. People over 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss didn’t show a significant contrast in depression rates in comparison to people without hearing loss. But that still means that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to improve their lives. And people who took part in a different study reported that those participants who managed their hearing loss with hearing aids had a lower depression rate.
Mental Health is Affected by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
With reported outcomes like those, you might imagine that people would want to treat their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from finding help. First, some people simply don’t think their hearing is that impaired. They think that people are deliberately talking quietly or mumbling. The other factor is that some people might not recognize that they have a hearing impairment. To them, it seems like other people don’t want to talk to them.
It’s essential that anyone who has experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, or the sense that they are being left out of interactions because they are talking too quietly or mumbling too much, get their hearing checked. If your hearing specialist finds hearing problems, hearing aid options should be talked about. You could possibly feel much better if you consult a hearing specialist.