Hearing Aids can help lessen the negative effects of the common condition of hearing loss. But a greater occurrence of depression and feelings of isolation happens when hearing loss goes untreated and undiagnosed.
And it can spiral into 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 solitude. This is a difficulty that doesn’t need to take place, 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
Researchers have found in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is linked to the progression of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of people with untreated hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to document symptoms of depression, and signs of anxiety and paranoia. They were also more likely to avoid social activities. Many couldn’t comprehend why it seemed like people were getting mad at them. Still, those who wore hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, co-workers, and friends – also noticed improvements.
A more profound sense of depression is encountered, as reported by a different study, by people who had a 25 decibel or higher hearing impairment. People over 70 with a self-diagnosed hearing loss did not demonstrate a significant contrast in depression rates compared to people without hearing loss. But all other demographics include individuals who aren’t receiving the help that they require for their hearing loss. A different study revealed that people who use hearing aids had a lower reported rate of depression symptoms than those subjects who suffered from hearing loss but who didn’t use hearing aids.
Mental Health is Affected by Opposition to Using Hearing Aids
With reported benefits like those, you might think that people would want to manage their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from getting help. First, some people simply don’t think their hearing is that impaired. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are talking quietly on purpose. The second factor is that some people may not recognize that they have a hearing loss. It seems, to them, that people don’t like talking with them.
It’s vital that anyone who has experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, or the feeling that they are being excluded from interactions because they are talking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing tested. If your hearing specialist discovers hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be discussed. You could possibly feel much better if you go to see a hearing specialist.