May 5, 2017
Is Hearing Loss Linked with Depression?
Research shows that hearing loss is in fact associated with depression among adults, especially in women.
As we consider the emotional and social impacts that hearing loss might have, we can begin to understand how hearing loss and depression may be related.
Hearing loss affects our ability to communicate with loved ones and to connect to the world around us. Whether it’s a dinner with family or friends, a weekly meeting at work, watching your favorite TV show, or simply hearing the doorbell ring, our ability to hear plays an essential role in the success of these interactions. As an individual’s hearing declines so does their ability to effectively manage and enjoy these day to day interactions. These failures may leave a person feeling defeated, abnormal, embarrassed, isolated, anxious, inadequate, frustrated and ultimately depressed.
The good news?
Hearing loss is treatable. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, a hearing assessment could change the course dramatically. A scientific review of a large number of surveys shows that the use of hearing aids causes significant improvement in the quality of life of hearing impaired people (Source: “Evaluation of the Social and Economic Costs of Hearing Impairment”, October 2006, Hear-it AISBL). A visit with a hearing healthcare professional may be the first step toward improving your well-being and re-engaging with life*.
*The diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, anxiety, and associated disorders requires a physician or qualified mental health professional. If you think that you might be depressed you should consult a physician or mental health professional. The information included in this post is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment of depression.
As we consider the emotional and social impacts that hearing loss might have, we can begin to understand how hearing loss and depression may be related.
Hearing loss affects our ability to communicate with loved ones and to connect to the world around us. Whether it’s a dinner with family or friends, a weekly meeting at work, watching your favorite TV show, or simply hearing the doorbell ring, our ability to hear plays an essential role in the success of these interactions. As an individual’s hearing declines so does their ability to effectively manage and enjoy these day to day interactions. These failures may leave a person feeling defeated, abnormal, embarrassed, isolated, anxious, inadequate, frustrated and ultimately depressed.
The good news?
Hearing loss is treatable. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, a hearing assessment could change the course dramatically. A scientific review of a large number of surveys shows that the use of hearing aids causes significant improvement in the quality of life of hearing impaired people (Source: “Evaluation of the Social and Economic Costs of Hearing Impairment”, October 2006, Hear-it AISBL). A visit with a hearing healthcare professional may be the first step toward improving your well-being and re-engaging with life*.
*The diagnosis and treatment of clinical depression, anxiety, and associated disorders requires a physician or qualified mental health professional. If you think that you might be depressed you should consult a physician or mental health professional. The information included in this post is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment of depression.
