Untreated
hearing loss can increased risk of depression
New evidence shows a strong link between the debilitating
and dangerous symptoms of depression and hearing loss. The National Council on
Aging (NCOA) conducted a study showing those older than 50 who suffer from
hearing loss are more likely to report feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration,
emotional instability and paranoia. Studies done in Italy and Australia both
showed similar results.
“When left unaddressed hearing loss can lead to isolation
and other emotional conditions that can affect both quality of life and mental
health,” said Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing
Institute.
Even more alarming, the NCOA study showed those who suffered
from hearing loss were also less likely to join social activities. Because depression affects nearly one in
every 12 people in America and can lead to much more grave situations, it’s
important to realize and respond to the link between depression and effective
treatment of hearing loss.
The impacts of hearing loss treatment on mental health
shouldn’t be underestimated as shown by researchers in the Archives of
Gerontology and Geriatrics. They found in just three months of hearing aid use
every single patient in the study showed significant improvement in
psychosocial and cognitive condition.
“By raising awareness of the connection between untreated
hearing loss and depression we hope to make a difference in people’s lives and
mobilize individuals to address their hearing loss,” said Kochkin.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends seeking
help for a complete hearing evaluation if a loved one consistently has:
- · Difficulty understanding speech, especially when background noise is present
- · Isolates themselves from social gatherings and public situations
- · Watches television or listening to the radio at a much louder volume than normal
- · Often asks for people to repeat themselves
While it can be difficult to seek treatment when depressed
and to encourage those who may be suffering to find help, mental health is
important to keep a close watch on because it affects so many other areas of a
healthy lifestyle. The evidence is clear that those who suffer from even mild
hearing loss are at greater risk from a wide range of negative emotional
experiences. The first step is to seek corrective treatment from a hearing careprofessional.
Source:
http://www.betterhearing.org/press/news/Depression_mental_health_and_hearing_loss_pr0913.cfm