Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could develop hearing loss and specific cognitive concerns as you get older. And a strong link between the two has been recognized by scientists which should never be overlooked. So keep that hearing aid turned on.
People with neglected hearing loss are twice as likely to cope with depression. Compared to people who use a hearing aid, frequent feelings of sadness were reported 27% more in people 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 avoid social activities they once loved.
There’s an even more troubling statistic you should know about, though you won’t like it very much. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our beliefs about hearing loss will be completely altered by this study
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been regarded as a “harmless” condition. 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. Hearing loss was not believed to have any health affects besides the hearing impairment.
Now we know better. This study establishes just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s overall health.
As a society, we will need to reconsider hearing loss based on this well-structured and compelling study.
How the research was conducted
Over 2000 people 50 or older were surveyed in this research carried out by committed 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 determine the levels of:
- Paranoia
- Isolation
- Anxiety
- Depression
More than 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. What they reported helped to give the participant’s statements validity. When we talk about hearing loss, this study, with the extra verification, becomes even more relevant.
How health and quality of life are impacted by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to experience eating disorders that can cause severe obesity or significant weight loss. They are more likely to suffer from insomnia and loss of memory.
They have reduced reaction time, which can lead to significant injuries whilst cooking, cleaning, driving, and other activities. Healing is slower in people who cope with depression and that can lead to longer hospital stays.
The danger of falling for older people is also increased when an individual suffers from depression.
As the hearing loss advances, depression gets worse. The person becomes less capable of caring for themselves as loneliness and isolation set in.
But there’s an even sadder statistic.
Usage rates of hearing aids
Only about 25% of those who would benefit from hearing aids actually use them. That’s right. Many individuals have the means to shield themselves from depression by using hearing aids but for some reason abstain from taking the steps.
Why do so many individuals avoid using a hearing aid?
When asked why they don’t wear a hearing aid, many people say they own one. They simply won’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” It makes them embarrassed.
These people would benefit from a hearing aid update. Contemporary hearing aids work better, and they are also more discreet and let people sync with devices. This makes them feel more like an extension of your smart tech 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 starting to recognize the connection between neglected hearing loss and overall health. They are helping to make hearing aids more affordable and obtainable. And untreated hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of people don’t think about. They’re not aware of how hearing loss will impact their health and quality of life. Unaddressed hearing loss can increase your overall healthcare costs by as much as 4o percent in just a few years.
What can you do to minimize hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Help fight the stigma people feel about wearing a hearing aid by showing them how much better you feel when you can hear.
Optimize your hearing in every situation with your modern hearing aid by taking a little time to master the advanced features. If you’re just turning the volume up and down, you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid. Get a consultation with 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 leave it off, speak with us today about how to use your hearing aid more effectively.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss
