The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Mental Health

Do you suspect you have hearing loss? You may struggle to hear conversations or find yourself turning up the volume on your TV or radio more often. Untreated hearing loss can lead to further damage and impact your mental health. According to the National Institute on Aging, about one-third of people aged between 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. Unfortunately, the condition increases your risk of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The best way to minimize the psychological effects of hearing loss is to seek treatment from an audiologist.

What Are the Psychological Effects of Hearing Loss?

Participating in everyday conversations is difficult for people with hearing loss. They may feel awkward and unable to connect with their loved ones. The inability to join in casual conversation can lead to confusion and behaviors like speaking out of turn, which can increase their embarrassment. Here are other ways hearing loss can interfere with your mental health:

• Older people living with hearing loss may feel anxious about missing alarms and phone calls. Equally likely are the chances of worrying about mishearing communications.
• Hearing loss affects the brain in various ways. The ability to process sound waves helps your brain stay active. However, the brain area responsible for hearing deteriorates when you lose your hearing ability. This can eventually lead to cognitive decline with resulting symptoms like difficulty in thinking and poor concentration.
• Hearing loss can affect your balance, meaning it can cause you to avoid physical activity, which can lead to depression.

How Depression and Hearing Loss Are Connected

Adults experiencing hearing loss hardly participate in social activities, which can cause depression feelings. Almost 33% of adults aged 70+ have a hearing issue that limits their daily communication. Averagely, people take up to seven years to seek hearing loss treatment from the time they first experience the condition. That said, untreated hearing loss, increased isolation and bad moods can take a toll on your quality of life.

What Treatments Are Available?

There are several treatments available for hearing loss that can also help improve mental health. Hearing aids are a common solution that amplifies sound and makes it easier to hear conversations and other important sounds. Counseling and support groups can provide emotional support and help you cope with the challenges of hearing loss. Additionally, regular check-ups with an audiologist can ensure that your hearing aids are working properly and that any changes in your hearing are addressed promptly. By treating hearing loss, you can improve your communication, reduce feelings of isolation and boost your overall mental well-being.

Recognizing the early signs of hearing loss is vital for getting treatment. Considering that hearing aid usage has been known to reduce the chances of depression in individuals with hearing loss, consulting an audiologist can improve your quality of life. Do not wait if you think you or a family member has a hearing loss issue. Connect with a trained audiologist, and they will help you with the appropriate treatment.