Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and specific cognitive concerns as you grow older. And a strong link between the two has been observed by scientists which should never be dismissed. So keep that hearing aid turned on.
Depression is two times as likely in individuals who are dealing with untreated hearing loss. Compared to individuals who use a hearing aid, frequent feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have neglected hearing loss.
They were also 39% more likely to think those around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social experiences they once loved.
There’s an even sadder statistic you should be aware of, though you won’t like it very much. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
This study turns our ideas about hearing loss upside down
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a “harmless” affliction. It was believed that the other senses would merely compensate. People would just go on with their lives attempting to live safely, healthily, and happily. Beyond hearing impairment, it was thought that loss of hearing had no other adverse health effects.
Now we know better. This study establishes just one of the greater effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
As a society, we will need to rethink hearing loss based on this well-structured and compelling study.
How was this research done?
Dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) conducted this research and surveyed more than 2000 people 50 and older. The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with untreated hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to ascertain the levels of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Isolation
The study took a ground-breaking step by including more than 2000 family members of the research participants. They did this to help corroborate what the participants were reporting. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more significant when we discuss the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those suffering from depression are more likely to develop eating disorders that can result in acute obesity or significant weight loss. They are more likely to suffer from insomnia and memory loss.
While driving, cooking, and other activities, their decreased reaction time can result in severe injury. Those with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, leading to complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The danger of falls for older people is also increased when a person has depression.
Depression progresses as hearing loss progresses. The person usually becomes more and more secluded, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of those who need 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 avoidable, yet they’re not taking steps to prevent it.
Why so many choose not to use a hearing aid
When asked why they don’t use a hearing aid, many individuals say they do own one. They just don’t use it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be worthwhile for these people. Present day hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more subtle. This makes them seem less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart tech.
Price is also a problem for a smaller yet significant number of individuals. The link between neglected hearing loss and general health hazards is now starting to be acknowledged by states and insurance companies. Hearing aids are, because of this, becoming more accessible and affordable. Additionally, individuals who object to the price of hearing aids also don’t realize how much-neglected hearing loss can cost them in the long run. They don’t understand how hearing loss effects their overall life. In only a few years, your overall health cost can climb by as much as 40% because of neglected hearing loss.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Be proud to wear 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.
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. Get a consultation with us so you can try out these upgraded hearing aids.
Consult us as soon as possible about the most effective way to utilize your hearing aid, especially if you feel like you’re not getting the most out of it and are tempted to leave it at home.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
