Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you grow older. And scientists have found a strong connection between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
Depression is two times as likely in individuals who are dealing with neglected hearing loss. Compared to individuals 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 those around them get upset for “no reason” and 24% more likely to avoid social activities they once loved.
Let’s explore this interesting study and an even sadder 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 totally changed by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a harmless condition for centuries. It was thought that the other senses would merely compensate. People would simply go on with their lives trying to live safely, healthily, and happily. Apart from hearing impairment, it was believed that loss of hearing had no other negative health effects.
Of course we now know that isn’t the situation. One of the impacts hearing loss can have on your overall health is explored in this study.
As a society, we will need to reconsider hearing loss based on this well-structured and compelling study.
How was this study done?
Over 2000 individuals 50 or older were surveyed in this research carried out by dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). The participants included a mix of hearing aid users and those with neglected hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to ascertain the levels of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Isolation
The study took a ground-breaking step by including over 2000 family members of the research participants. What they documented helped to give the participant’s comments validity. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more significant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How depression affects health and quality of life
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to develop eating disorders that can lead to acute obesity or extreme weight loss. Memory loss and insomnia are also more common in those with untreated hearing loss.
While cooking, driving, and other activities, their decreased reaction time can lead to severe injury. Those with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
Depression can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
As the hearing loss progresses, so does the depression. The person usually becomes more and more isolated, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
Now, let’s take a look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of individuals who would benefit from hearing aids actually wear them. That’s right. For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its adverse impacts are totally unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking measures to stop it.
Why do so many people neglect using a hearing aid?
Many people who don’t use a hearing aid actually do own one. They simply don’t use it because it makes them “look old.” It makes them embarrassed.
These individuals would benefit from a hearing aid update. Present day hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more discreet. This makes them feel less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart tech.
A smaller but considerable number of individuals say they can’t afford one. The connection between neglected hearing loss and total health risks is now starting to be recognized by states and insurance companies. Hearing aids are, because of this, becoming more available and cost-effective. Additionally, people who object to the price of hearing aids also don’t realize how much-neglected hearing loss can cost them over time. They’re not aware of how hearing loss will impact their health and quality of life. Untreated hearing loss can increase your total healthcare costs by as much as 40% in just a few years.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be decreased?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Take some time to master the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to maximize your hearing experience in every situation. You’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. Consult us so you can demo these upgraded hearing aids.
Consult us right away about the most effective way to utilize your hearing aid, especially if you feel like you’re not getting the most out of it and are tempted to put it in a drawer.
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References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss