Hearing Aids can help minimize the negative effects of the common condition of hearing loss. However, a lot of hearing loss goes undiscovered and neglected – and that can lead to greater depression rates and feelings of isolation in those with hearing loss.
And it can spiral into a vicious circle where solitude and depression from hearing loss cause a breakdown in personal and work relationship resulting in even worse depression and solitude. 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 Hearing Loss to Depression
Symptoms of depression have been continuously connected, according to numerous studies, to hearing loss. One study of people with neglected hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. And it was also more likely that those people would withdraw from social involvement. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting angry with them. However, relationships were enhanced for individuals who wore hearing aids, who reported that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.
A more intense sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. The only group that didn’t record a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people 70 years old or older. But that still indicates that a large part of the population is not getting the assistance they require to better their lives. Another study found that hearing aid users had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those individuals who had hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Affected by Opposition to Using Hearing Aids
With documented results like those, you might think that people would wish to treat their hearing loss. But people don’t get help for two principal reasons. First, some people simply don’t think their hearing is that impaired. They assume that others are intentionally talking quietly or mumbling. The second factor is that some people might not realize they have a hearing loss. To them, it seems as if others get tired of talking to them.
If you are somebody who regularly feels like people are talking quietly or mumbling and it’s causing you to feel anxiety or even depression, it’s time for a hearing exam. If your hearing specialist detects hearing problems, hearing aid options should be talked about. You could possibly feel a lot better if you go to see a hearing specialist.