Hearing loss is a common condition that can be alleviated easily by using hearing aids and assistive listening devices. But hearing loss is often ignored and untreated. For individuals with hearing loss, this can bring about feelings of social-separation and depression.
It can also cause a breakdown in personal and work relationships, which itself contributes to more feelings of depression and solitude. This is a vicious cycle that can be avoided, and treating your hearing loss is the key to ending that downward spiral.
Hearing loss and depression
We’ve known that hearing loss can cause feelings of solitude and depression for a long time now. 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 weren’t sure why. But when those people got hearing aids, they reported improvements in their social condition, and other people in their life also noticed the difference.
Another study found that people between ages 18 and 70, reported an increased sense of depression if they had hearing loss of more than 25 dB. Increased depression was not reported by individuals over 70 who had self-reported hearing loss. But there are still a great many people who need help and aren’t getting it.
Lack of recognition or unwillingness to wear hearing aids affects mental health
With reported results like these, it seems like a no-brainer that you would want to get your hearing loss treated. Maybe you believe your hearing is okay. You think that people are mumbling.
You might just think it costs too much.
It’s crucial to get a hearing test if you feel like you are being left out of interactions or are feeling anxious or depressed. We can talk about your options if we do find hearing loss. That might be all you need to feel a whole lot better.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.