As we get older, we all know that hearing loss and particular mental health challenges can worsen despite a healthy, active lifestyle. And a strong connection between the two has been discovered by scientists which should never be overlooked. So keep that hearing aid turned on.
Depression is two times as likely in individuals who have untreated hearing loss. Close to 27% more people with untreated hearing loss reported “often feeling sad” in contrast to those who used a hearing aid.
They were also 39% more likely to feel that those around them get upset for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social activities they once enjoyed.
There’s an even more troubling statistic you should be aware of, though you won’t really like it. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
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. The person would simply get by and go on to live the rest of their life healthily, safely, and happily. Hearing loss wasn’t thought to have any health impact besides the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that’s not the situation. One of the impacts hearing loss can have on your overall health is investigated in this study.
This significant and well-structured study forces us to reconsider hearing loss as a society.
How was this study done?
Over 2000 individuals 50 or older were surveyed in this research carried out by committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with neglected hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to ascertain the levels of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
- Paranoia
Over 2000 family members of the participants were also included in this ground-breaking study. They did this to help corroborate what the participants were self-reporting. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more pertinent when we discuss the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
Eating disorders like severe obesity or significant weight loss are more likely in individuals who cope with depression, according to the American Psychological Association. They are more likely to experience insomnia and loss of memory.
While driving, cooking, and other activities, their diminished reaction time can lead to severe injury. Those with depression have even been found to heal more slowly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The chance of falls for older people is also elevated when an individual has depression.
Depression worsens as hearing loss progresses. 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
Around 75% of people who should use hearing aids don’t wear them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted impacts are totally unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking measures to prevent it.
Why do so many individuals neglect using a hearing aid?
Many individuals who don’t wear a hearing aid actually do own one. They think it makes them look old so they simply neglect using it. It makes them embarrassed.
A hearing aid upgrade would be beneficial for these individuals. Contemporary hearing aids work better, and they are also more unobtrusive and allow people to sync with devices. This makes them seem less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart technology.
Price is also an issue for a smaller but significant number of people. States and insurance companies are now starting to recognize the link between neglected hearing loss and general 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 individuals don’t think about. They don’t recognize how hearing loss effects their overall life. In just a few years, your total health cost can increase by as much as 40% because of untreated hearing loss.
How can hearing associated depression symptoms be minimized?
Have pride in wearing your hearing aid. Show people how much better you can feel when you’re able to 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 learn the advanced features. You’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid in a while, contact us for a demo.
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 use your hearing aid more successfully.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss