Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could develop hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you grow older. And a strong link between the two has been discovered by scientists which should never be dismissed. So keep that hearing aid turned on.
Individuals with neglected hearing loss are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Compared to people who use a hearing aid, regular feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have untreated hearing loss.
They were also 39% more likely to think the people around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social experiences they once loved.
There’s an even more troubling statistic you should be aware of, though you won’t like it very much. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our beliefs about hearing loss will be entirely changed by this study
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a “harmless” affliction. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. People would just go on with their lives trying to live safely, healthily, and happily. Apart from hearing impairment, it was thought that loss of hearing had no other negative health effects.
Of course we now know that’s not the case. This study establishes just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
This substantial and well-structured study forces us to rethink hearing loss as a society.
How was this study done?
Over 2000 people 50 or older were surveyed in this research carried out by dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). The participants included a combination of hearing aid users and those with untreated hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to identify the levels of:
- Paranoia
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Depression
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. They did this to help corroborate what the participants were reporting. When we talk about hearing loss, this study, with the extra verification, becomes even more pertinent.
How depression impacts health and quality of life
Eating disorders like acute obesity or extreme weight loss are more likely in those who cope with depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Memory loss and insomnia are also more prevalent in those with untreated hearing loss.
They have reduced reaction time, which can lead to significant injuries while cooking, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Healing is slower in people who cope with depression and that can result in longer hospital stays.
The danger of falling for older people is also increased when a person has depression.
Depression worsens as hearing loss advances. The individual often becomes more and more isolated, lonely, and unable to care for themselves.
Now, let’s look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
About 75% of individuals who should use hearing aids don’t use them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its negative impacts are totally unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking measures to prevent it.
Why so many decide not to use a hearing aid
Many people who don’t wear a hearing aid actually do own one. They think it makes them look old so they just avoid wearing it. It makes them embarrassed.
A hearing aid upgrade would be advantageous for these people. Contemporary hearing aids work better, and they are also more discreet and let people sync with devices. This makes them seem more like an extension of your smart technology and less like a hearing aid.
Price is also a problem for a smaller but significant number of people. The link between untreated hearing loss and overall health risks is now beginning to be acknowledged by states and insurance companies. Hearing aids are, because of this, becoming more accessible and cost-effective. And unaddressed hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of individuals don’t take into consideration. They don’t understand how hearing loss impacts their overall life. In only a few years, your total health cost can go up by as much as 40% because of untreated hearing loss.
What can you do to decrease hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you’re able to hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Maximize your hearing in every situation with your modern hearing aid by taking some time to master 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 leave it at home.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss