Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and specific cognitive concerns as you get older. And scientists have discovered a strong connection between the two that shouldn’t be dismissed and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
Depression is twice as likely in individuals who are dealing with untreated hearing loss. In contrast 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 think those around them get irritated for “no reason” and 24% more likely to avoid social activities they once enjoyed.
Let’s look at this interesting study and an even more troubling statistic you won’t want to hear but should know about. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our beliefs about hearing loss will be completely transformed by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a harmless affliction for centuries. 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 days healthily, safely, and happily. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health impact beyond the hearing impairment.
Now we know better. One of the impacts hearing loss can have on your general health is investigated in this study.
As a society, we will need to rethink hearing loss based on this well-structured and significant study.
How the study was carried out
Over 2000 individuals 50 or older were surveyed in this study carried out by committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). Individuals with neglected hearing loss and people who used hearing aids were among the participants. Clinically relevant questions were asked to identify the levels of the following:
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
The study took a ground-breaking step by including more than 2000 family members of the study participants. They did this to help validate what the participants were self-reporting. With this added verification, this study becomes even more relevant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
Eating disorders like severe obesity or significant weight loss are more likely in those 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 driving, cooking, and other activities, their reduced reaction time can lead to severe injury. Those with depression have even been found to heal more slowly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
Depression can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
As the hearing loss advances, depression gets worse. The individual often becomes more and more isolated, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Usage rates of hearing aids
Around 75% of people who need hearing aids don’t wear them. Yup! Many people have the means to protect themselves from depression by using hearing aids but for some reason abstain from taking the steps.
Why so many choose not to wear a hearing aid
Many people who don’t wear a hearing aid actually do own one. They just won’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” It makes them embarrassed.
These people would benefit from a hearing aid upgrade. Contemporary hearing aids work better, and they are also more unobtrusive and allow people to sync with devices. This makes them feel more like an extension of your smart technology and less like a hearing aid.
A smaller but considerable number of individuals say they can’t afford one. States and insurance companies are now recognizing the link between neglected hearing loss and overall health. Hearing aids are, because of this, becoming more accessible and affordable. In addition, people who object to the cost of hearing aids also don’t recognize how much-untreated hearing loss can cost them over time. They’re unaware of how hearing loss will affect their health and quality of life. In just a few years, your total health cost can climb by as much as 40% because of unaddressed hearing loss.
How can hearing related depression symptoms be minimized?
Wear your hearing aid proudly. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help erase the stigma.
Take a little time to master the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to optimize your hearing experience in every situation. You’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. Get a consultation with us so you can try out these upgraded hearing aids.
Consult us as soon as possible about the most effective way to use 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.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss