Hearing loss is a common condition that can be mitigated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude happens when hearing loss goes untreated and undiagnosed.
And it can quickly become a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss bring about a breakdown in personal and work relationship leading to even worse depression and isolation. This is a difficulty that doesn’t need to take place, and getting that hearing loss treated is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Hearing Loss Has Been Linked to Depression by Many Studies
Symptoms of depression have been continuously linked, according to several studies, to hearing loss. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and paranoia were, as reported by one study, more likely to impact individuals over 50 who have neglected hearing loss. And it was also more likely that those people would retreat from social engagement. Many reported that they felt as if people were getting frustrated with them for no apparent reason. Still, those who used hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people in their lives – family, co-workers, and friends – also noticed improvements.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who suffered from a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t record a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was individuals over the age of 70. But all other demographics contain people who aren’t receiving the help that they need for their hearing loss. Another study discovered that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who had hearing loss but who did not use hearing aids.
Lack of Awareness or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Affects Mental Health
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to seek out help with their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two principal reasons. One is that some simply don’t recognize that their hearing is that impaired. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are speaking softly on purpose. The second factor is that some people may not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
If you are someone who frequently feels like people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing examination. If your hearing specialist finds hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be discussed. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.