New research has revealed a strong connection between hearing loss and mental health.
Besides this connection, both disorders have something else in common – health professionals and patients often fail to acknowledge and treat them. For millions of people who are looking for solutions to mental health problems, recognizing this connection could lead to potential improvements.
The impact of hearing loss on mental health has only been addressed by a few studies even though hearing loss is very widespread.
Out of all people who are diagnosed with hearing loss, research shows that over 11 percent of them also deal with clinical depression. Depression was only reported by 5 percent of the general population so this finding is noteworthy. Standard questionnaires were based on self-reporting of hearing loss and considered depression based on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Individuals who were between 18 and 69 had the highest instance of depression. The author of the study and a scientist at NIDCD, Dr. Chuan-Ming Li, noted “a substantial connection between hearing impairment and moderate to severe depression”.
Your Chance of Depression Doubles With Untreated Hearing Loss
Another study, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, found that individuals with age-related hearing loss (an extremely common chronic condition in the elderly) experienced more signs of depression and the worse the hearing loss – the higher the risk of depression. Participants were evaluated for depression after taking an audiometric hearing exam. Once more, researchers observed that individuals with even a little bit of hearing loss were nearly twice as likely to experience depression. Even more alarming, mild hearing loss often goes undiagnosed and untreated by many people over 70 which has also been shown to increase the danger of cognitive decline and dementia. Obviously, there’s a link between the two even though a direct cause and effect relationship hasn’t yet been demonstrated.
Hearing is crucial to being active and communicating successfully. Embarrassment, anxiety, and potential loss of self-esteem can be the outcome of the professional and social blunders that come with hearing loss. If left unaddressed, these feelings can lead to a gradual withdrawal. People begin to steer clear of physical activity and isolate themselves from friends and family. This isolation, over time, can lead to depression and loneliness.
Hearing is About More Than Just Ears
Hearing loss is about more than the ears as is underscored by its connection with depression. Hearing affects your general health, the brain, quality of life, and healthy aging. This demonstrates that within your general healthcare, your hearing professional plays an important part. Confusion, frustration, and fatigue are frequently a problem for individuals who deal with hearing loss.
The good news: The issue can be significantly enhanced by having a hearing exam and treatment as soon as you recognize hearing loss symptoms. Studies show that treating hearing loss early significantly reduces their risk. It is vital that physicians advise regular hearing examinations. Hearing loss isn’t the only thing that a hearing exam can uncover, after all. Care providers should also watch for symptoms of depression in people who may be dealing with either or both. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, fatigue, general loss of interest, sadness, and loss of appetite.
Don’t suffer in silence. If you think you have hearing loss, call us to schedule a hearing test.
References
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/1835392
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2781095
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2682653