Hearing Aids can help reduce the negative consequence of the prevalent condition of hearing loss. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss goes untreated and undiagnosed.
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 isolation. This is a difficulty that doesn’t have to happen, and getting that hearing loss treated is the best way to end the downward spiral.
Studies Link Depression to Hearing Loss
Symptoms of depression have been consistently linked, according to countless studies, to hearing loss. One study of people who suffer from neglected hearing loss discovered that adults 50 years or older were more likely to report symptoms of depression, along with signs of paranoia or anxiety. And it was also more likely that that group would withdraw from social engagement. Many stated that they felt like people were getting frustrated with them for no reason. However, those who wore hearing aids noted improvements in their relationships, and the people in their lives – family, co-workers, and friends – also observed improvements.
A different study discovered that individuals between the ages of 18 and 70, revealed a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Individuals over the age of 70 with a self-reported hearing loss didn’t show a major difference in depression rates compared to people who didn’t suffer from hearing loss. But that still indicates that a significant part of the population is not getting the help they require to better their lives. And people who participated in a different study reported that those participants who treated their hearing loss using hearing aids had a lower rate of depression.
Mental Health is Impacted by Resistance to Wearing Hearing Aids
It would seem obvious that with these kinds of results people would wish to get assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from getting help. Some people believe that their hearing is working just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that others are mumbling or even that they are speaking quietly on purpose. Also, it’s relatively common for people to have no clue they have a hearing problem. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.
If you are someone who frequently thinks 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 there’s hearing loss, that person needs to discuss which hearing aid is best for them. Seeing a good hearing specialist may be all that is needed to feel a whole lot better.
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