As we get older, we all know that hearing loss and particular mental health concerns can worsen despite a healthy, active lifestyle. And scientists have found a strong connection between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will help if you don’t turn that hearing aid off.
Depression is two times as likely in individuals who have neglected hearing loss. In contrast to individuals who use a hearing aid, frequent feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in people who have neglected hearing loss.
They were also 24% more likely to quit doing things they used to love and 39% more likely to feel as if people are angry with them for no reason.
Let’s explore this fascinating study and an even sadder statistic you won’t want to hear but should know about. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
This study turns our thoughts about hearing loss upside down
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been considered a “harmless” condition. It was thought that the other senses would merely compensate. People would simply go on with their lives trying to live safely, healthily, and happily. Apart from hearing impairment, it was thought that loss of hearing had no other negative health effects.
Of course we now know that’s not the situation. This study establishes just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s overall health.
This important and well-structured study forces us to rethink hearing loss as a society.
How the research was carried out
Committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) carried out this research and surveyed more than 2000 individuals 50 and older. The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with untreated hearing loss. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to identify the levels of the following:
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Isolation
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. What they reported helped to give the participant’s comments validity. With this added verification, this study becomes even more significant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to experience eating disorders that can cause acute obesity or extreme loss of weight. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with neglected hearing loss.
They have decreased reaction time, which can lead to significant injuries whilst cooking, cleaning, driving, and other activities. Healing is slower in people who cope with depression and that can lead to longer hospital stays.
The risk of falling for older people is also increased when an individual has depression.
Depression progresses as hearing loss progresses. The individual becomes less capable of caring for themselves as loneliness and isolation set in.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Usage rates of hearing aids
About 75% of individuals who should use hearing aids don’t use them. Yup! Many people have the means to protect themselves from depression by wearing hearing aids but for some reason abstain from taking the steps.
Why so many decide not to use a hearing aid
Many individuals who don’t wear a hearing aid actually do own one. They simply don’t use it because it makes them “look old.” It makes them embarrassed.
These individuals would benefit from a hearing aid update. Contemporary hearing aids work better, and they are also more discreet and let people sync with devices. This makes them feel less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart tech.
Price is also a problem for a smaller but significant number of individuals. The connection between untreated hearing loss and overall health risks is now beginning to be acknowledged by states and insurance companies. They are helping to make hearing aids more affordable and obtainable. And unaddressed hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which most people don’t take into consideration. They don’t recognize how hearing loss impacts their overall life. Unaddressed hearing loss can increase your overall healthcare costs by as much as 4o percent in just a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Have pride in wearing your hearing aid. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help erase the stigma.
Maximize your hearing in every situation with your modern hearing aid by taking some time to master the advanced features. If you’re just turning the volume up and down, you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid. Consult us so you can demo these upgraded hearing aids.
If you feel like you aren’t getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to not use it, talk to us today about how to make use of your hearing aid more effectively.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
