As we age, we all recognize that hearing loss and specific mental health concerns can progress in spite of a healthy, active lifestyle. And scientists have discovered a strong link between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will help if you don’t turn that hearing aid off.
Depression is twice as likely in individuals who have neglected hearing loss. Close to 27% more individuals with neglected hearing loss reported “often feeling sad” compared to people who used a hearing aid.
They were also 39% more likely to feel that the people around them get annoyed for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social experiences they once loved.
There’s an even more troubling statistic you should be aware of, though you won’t like it very much. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
Our ideas about hearing loss will be totally altered by this study
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. Hearing loss wasn’t thought to have any health affects beyond the hearing impairment.
Now we know better. This study illustrates just one of the greater effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
This substantial and well-structured study forces us to rethink hearing loss as a society.
How was this research done?
Dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) conducted this study and surveyed more than 2000 people 50 and older. People with untreated hearing loss and people who used hearing aids were among the participants. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to determine the levels of the following:
- Isolation
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also included in this ground-breaking study. What they documented helped to give the participant’s comments validity. When we discuss hearing loss, this research, with the extra verification, becomes even more pertinent.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those suffering from depression are more likely to experience eating disorders that can lead to acute obesity or significant weight loss. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with untreated hearing loss.
While cooking, driving, and other activities, their reduced reaction time can result in severe injury. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
Depression can increase fall risk in older adults.
Depression progresses as hearing loss advances. The person becomes less able to care for themselves as loneliness and solitude set in.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only about 25% of those who need hearing aids actually wear them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted effects are completely unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking measures to stop it.
Why do so many people neglect using a hearing aid?
When asked why they don’t use a hearing aid, many individuals say they own one. They just won’t wear 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 seem more like an extension of your smart tech and less like a hearing aid.
A smaller but considerable number of individuals say hearing aids are too expensive. States and insurance companies are now starting to recognize the connection between neglected hearing loss and total health. They are helping to make hearing aids more affordable and obtainable. And unaddressed hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of people don’t think about. They’re not aware of how hearing loss will affect their health and quality of life. Neglected hearing loss can increase your total healthcare costs by as much as 4o percent in only a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be minimized?
Be proud to wear your hearing aid. Show people how much better you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Take a little time to learn the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to optimize your hearing experience in every setting. You’re not getting the most from your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. Consult us so you can demo these upgraded hearing aids.
If you feel you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to leave it off, talk to us today about how to use your hearing aid more successfully.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss