Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could develop hearing loss and specific cognitive challenges as you age. And a strong connection between the two has been recognized by scientists which should never be dismissed. So keep that hearing aid turned on.
People with neglected hearing loss are two times as likely to suffer from depression. Compared to people 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 feel that the people around them get annoyed for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social activities they once loved.
Let’s look at this fascinating study and an even sadder statistic you won’t want to hear but should be aware of. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
This study turns our thoughts about hearing loss upside down
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been considered a “harmless” condition. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. The person would just get by and go on to live the rest of their life healthily, safely, and happily. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health impact besides the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that isn’t the situation. This study illustrates just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
This important and well-structured study forces us to rethink hearing loss as a society.
How was this research done?
Dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) conducted this study and surveyed over 2000 individuals 50 and older. The participants included a combination of hearing aid wearers and those with neglected hearing loss. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to identify the levels of the following:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Isolation
- Depression
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also included in this ground-breaking study. What they reported helped to give the participant’s statements 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
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to experience eating disorders that can cause acute obesity or significant weight loss. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with untreated hearing loss.
They have reduced reaction time, which can result in severe injuries when cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Those with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, leading to complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The chance of falls for older people is also elevated when an individual suffers from depression.
As the hearing loss progresses, so does the depression. The person often 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
Only about 25% of individuals who would benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted impacts are entirely unnecessary and avoidable, yet they’re not taking steps to stop it.
Why so many decide not to wear a hearing aid
Many individuals who don’t use a hearing aid actually do own one. They simply don’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
These people would benefit from a hearing aid update. Modern hearing aids work better, and they are also more unobtrusive and allow people to sync with devices. This makes them feel less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart technology.
Price is also an issue for a smaller yet significant number of individuals. States and insurance companies are now starting to recognize the link between neglected hearing loss and overall health. Hearing aids are, because of this, becoming more available and cost-effective. And untreated hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which most people don’t think about. They don’t recognize how hearing loss impacts their overall life. Untreated hearing loss can increase your overall healthcare costs by as much as 40% in only a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Help combat the stigma people feel about using a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Maximize your hearing in every situation with your modern hearing aid by taking some time to learn the advanced features. If you’re just turning the volume up and down, you’re not getting the most from your hearing aid. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid in a while, meet with us for a demo.
Consult us right away about the most effective way to utilize your hearing aid, especially if you recognize that you’re not getting the most out of it and are tempted to put it in a drawer.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
