Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you age. And scientists have found a strong link between the two that shouldn’t be ignored and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
Depression is two times as likely in people who have untreated hearing loss. Compared to people who use a hearing aid, frequent feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have untreated hearing loss.
They were also 39% more likely to feel that the people around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social experiences they once enjoyed.
Let’s explore this interesting study and an even more troubling statistic you won’t want to hear but should be aware of. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
Our ideas about hearing loss will be completely changed by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been considered a harmless affliction for centuries. It was believed that the other senses would merely compensate. People would simply go on with their lives attempting to live safely, healthily, and happily. Hearing loss wasn’t thought to have any health affects beyond the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that’s not the case. This study illustrates just one of the greater effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
This significant and well-structured study forces us to rethink hearing loss as a society.
How the research was carried out
Over 2000 people 50 or older were surveyed in this study carried out by dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). The participants included a mix of hearing aid wearers and those with untreated hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to ascertain the levels of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
- Paranoia
Over 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. When we discuss hearing loss, this research, with the extra verification, becomes even more pertinent.
How health and quality of life are affected by depression
Eating disorders such as severe obesity or extreme weight loss are more likely in people who cope with depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with untreated hearing loss.
While cooking, driving, and other activities, their reduced reaction time can result in severe injury. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal more slowly, leading to complications and lengthy hospital stays.
Depression can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
Depression worsens as hearing loss progresses. The individual usually becomes more and more isolated, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
About 75% of individuals who should use hearing aids don’t wear them. That’s right. Many individuals have the means to shield themselves from depression by wearing hearing aids but for some reason avoid taking the steps.
Why so many choose not to wear a hearing aid
When asked why they don’t use a hearing aid, many people say they own one. They think it makes them look old so they just avoid using it. It makes them embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be worthwhile for these individuals. Modern hearing aids work better, and they are also more discreet and let people sync with devices. This makes them seem less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart tech.
A smaller but significant number of individuals say they can’t afford one. The link between disregarded hearing loss and general health hazards is now starting to be recognized by states and insurance companies. They are helping to make hearing aids more affordable and obtainable. And unaddressed hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of individuals don’t take into account. They’re unaware of how hearing loss will affect their health and quality of life. Unaddressed hearing loss can increase your total healthcare costs by as much as 40% in only a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Have pride in wearing your hearing aid. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Optimize your hearing in every setting with your modern hearing aid by taking some time to learn the advanced features. You’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid for a while, contact us for a demo.
If you feel like you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to not use it, speak with 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
