Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and specific cognitive challenges as you get older. And scientists have recognized a strong link between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will help if you don’t turn that hearing aid off.
Depression is twice as likely in individuals who are dealing with untreated hearing loss. Compared to people who use a hearing aid, regular feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in those who have neglected hearing loss.
They were also 24% more likely to stop doing things they used to love and 39% more likely to feel as if people are mad at them for no reason.
Let’s explore this fascinating study and an even sadder statistic you won’t want to hear but should know about. Don’t turn off that hearing aid!
This study turns our thoughts about hearing loss on their heads
Age-related hearing loss has been considered a harmless condition for centuries. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. People would just go on with their lives attempting to live safely, healthily, and happily. Hearing loss was not thought to have any health impact beyond the hearing impairment.
Of course we now know that isn’t the case. This study illustrates just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s overall health.
As a society, we will need to rethink hearing loss based on this well-structured and significant study.
How the study was conducted
Over 2000 individuals 50 or older were surveyed in this research carried out by dedicated researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA). People with neglected hearing loss and people who used hearing aids were among the participants. Clinically pertinent questions were asked to establish the levels of the following:
- Depression
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
The study took a ground-breaking step by introducing over 2000 family members of the research participants. What they documented helped to give the participant’s statements validity. With this added verification, this research becomes even more pertinent when we discuss the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are affected by depression
Eating disorders like acute 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 predominant in those with neglected hearing loss.
They have reduced reaction time, which can lead to severe injuries while cooking, cleaning, driving, and other activities. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, leading to complications and lengthy hospital stays.
The danger of falls for older people is also increased when an individual has depression.
Depression progresses as hearing loss advances. The person often becomes more and more secluded, lonely, and unable to care for themselves.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of those who need hearing aids actually wear them. That’s right. For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its adverse effects are totally unnecessary and preventable, yet they are not taking measures to prevent it.
Why do so many people neglect using a hearing aid?
When asked why they don’t wear a hearing aid, many individuals say they do own one. They think it makes them look old so they simply avoid wearing it. It makes them embarrassed.
A hearing aid upgrade would be advantageous for these individuals. Modern 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 tech and less like a hearing aid.
Price is also a problem for a smaller yet substantial number of individuals. The link between neglected hearing loss and general health hazards is now starting to be recognized by states and insurance companies. They are helping to make hearing aids more budget friendly and accessible. And neglected hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of individuals don’t take into account. They don’t recognize how hearing loss effects their overall life. Neglected hearing loss can increase your overall healthcare costs by as much as 40% in just a few years.
What can be done to decrease hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Wear your hearing aid proudly. Help combat the stigma people feel about using a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Take some 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 from your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. Consult us so you can demo these upgraded hearing aids.
If you feel like you aren’t getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to not use it, speak with us today about how to use your hearing aid more successfully.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss