Hearing Health Blog

Woman feeling down and left out due to untreated hearing loss.

Hearing Aids can help minimize the negative consequence of the common condition of hearing loss. But a higher occurrence of depression and feelings of solitude occurs when hearing loss goes untreated and undiscovered.

It can also lead to a strain in work and personal relationships, which itself adds to more feelings of depression and isolation. This is a problem that doesn’t have to take place, and getting that hearing loss treated is the best way to end the downward spiral.

Hearing Loss Has Been Connected to Depression by Numerous Studies

Researchers have discovered in numerous studies that untreated hearing loss is connected to the development of depressive symptoms – and this isn’t a new phenomenon. One study of people who suffer from neglected hearing loss found 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 that group would withdraw from social involvement. Many reported that they felt like people were getting frustrated with them for no reason. However, relationships were enhanced for those who used hearing aids, who reported that friends, family, and co-workers all noticed the difference.

A different study found that people between the ages of 18 and 70, reported a greater sense of depression if they had hearing loss of greater than 25 dB. The only group that didn’t report a higher incidence of depression even with hearing loss was people over the age of 70. But that still means that a large part of the population is not getting the help they need to better their lives. And people who participated in a different study revealed that those participants who treated their hearing loss using hearing aids had a lower depression rate.

Mental Health is Affected by Opposition to Wearing Hearing Aids

It would seem obvious that with these kinds of outcomes people would want to seek out assistance with their hearing loss. However, two factors have stopped people from seeking help. Some people believe that their hearing is working just fine when it really isn’t. They have themselves convinced that people are mumbling or even that they are speaking softly on purpose. The other factor is that some people may not realize they have a hearing impairment. It seems, to them, that people don’t like to talk to them.

It’s imperative that anyone who has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, or the feeling that they are being left out of interactions due to people talking too quietly or mumbling too much, have their hearing examined. If your hearing specialist finds hearing problems, hearing aid solutions should be talked about. You could possibly feel a lot better if you consult a hearing specialist.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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