Hearing loss is a prevalent condition that can be mitigated simply by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. However, hearing loss frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. For individuals who suffered from hearing loss, this can trigger feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also lead to a breakdown in personal and professional relationships, which itself will foster more feelings of depression and solitude. This is a horrible cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
It’s true that neglected hearing loss is connected to developing depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. Adults older than 50 with neglected hearing loss frequently report feelings of depression and anxiety, according to one study. They were also more likely to steer clear of social activities. A lot of them felt like people were getting angry at them and they didn’t know why. However, people who got hearing aids reported improvements in their relationships, and the people around them – family, colleagues, and friends – also stated that they noticed improvements.
For people with hearing loss of higher than 25 decibels, who were between 18 and 70 years old, depression was more prevalent. Increased depression was not reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a great many individuals who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to use hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like those, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you simply don’t think your hearing is that bad. You think that people are mumbling.
You might just think it costs too much.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you think that you are being left out of conversations or are feeling anxious or depressed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. It could help you feel much better.