As we get older, we all know that hearing loss and specific mental health challenges can worsen in spite of a healthy, active lifestyle. And a strong connection between the two has been discovered by scientists which should never be dismissed. So don’t turn off that hearing aid.
People with untreated hearing loss are two times as likely to deal with depression. In contrast to individuals who use a hearing aid, frequent feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have untreated hearing loss.
They were also 24% more likely to quit doing things they once loved and 39% more likely to feel like people are mad at them for no reason.
There’s an even sadder 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 on their heads
Age-related hearing loss has been considered a harmless affliction for centuries. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. People would simply go on with their lives trying to live safely, healthily, and happily. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health impact beyond the hearing impairment.
Now we know better. 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 the research was conducted
Dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) carried out this research and surveyed more than 2000 people 50 and older. The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with neglected hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to identify the levels of:
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
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. With this added verification, this study becomes even more relevant 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 develop eating disorders that can result in acute obesity or extreme weight loss. Memory loss and insomnia are also more prevalent in those with neglected hearing loss.
They have decreased reaction time, which can result in severe injuries when cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Those with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The risk of falling for older people is also increased when an individual suffers from depression.
Depression progresses as hearing loss advances. The person usually becomes more and more secluded, lonely, and unable to care for themselves.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of those who would benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. That’s right. For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its negative impacts are completely unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking steps to prevent it.
Why so many decide not to use a hearing aid
Many people who don’t use a hearing aid actually do own one. They just won’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be beneficial for these individuals. Present day hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more subtle. This makes them feel more like an extension of your smart tech and less like a hearing aid.
A smaller but significant number of individuals say hearing aids are too expensive. States and insurance companies are now recognizing the connection between untreated hearing loss and general health. They are helping to make hearing aids more budget friendly and accessible. Additionally, people who object to the price of hearing aids also don’t understand how much-neglected hearing loss can cost them over time. They’re unaware of how hearing loss will affect their health and quality of life. In just a few years, your overall health cost can increase by as much as 40% because of neglected hearing loss.
What can you do to decrease hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Help combat the stigma people feel about using a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Take some time to learn the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to optimize your hearing experience in every situation. 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 like you aren’t getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to leave it off, talk to us today about how to make use of your hearing aid more successfully.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss