Hearing Aids can help minimize the negative consequence of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But a greater incident of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss is neglected and undiscovered.
And it can quickly become a vicious circle where isolation 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 have to take place, and getting that hearing loss treated is the key to ending the downward spiral.
Studies Link Depression to Hearing Loss
Researchers have discovered in several studies that untreated hearing loss is connected to the advancement of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of people who suffer from untreated hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, and signs of paranoia or anxiety. They were also more likely to refrain from social activities. Many stated that they felt like people were getting frustrated with them for no apparent reason. However, relationships were enhanced for people who got hearing aids, who stated that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more profound sense of depression is experienced, as reported by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. People over 70 with a self-reported hearing loss did not demonstrate a major difference in depression rates in comparison to individuals who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But all other demographics include people who aren’t getting the help that they need for their hearing loss. And people who took part in another study revealed that those participants who treated their hearing loss using hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
ignorance or Unwillingness to Use Hearing Aids Impacts Mental Health
It seems apparent that with these kinds of results people would want to get assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from getting help. Some people believe that their hearing is functioning just fine when it actually isn’t. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are talking quietly on purpose. Also, it’s quite common for people to be clueless about their hearing impairment. To them, it seems as if other people get tired of talking to them.
If you are somebody who regularly thinks people are speaking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing test. If your hearing specialist finds hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be discussed. Consulting a good hearing specialist might be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.