South Florida Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Related Articles
Hearing loss can negatively affect mental health in a variety of ways. When people struggle to hear, communication becomes challenging. This can lead to issues like loneliness, sorrow and social isolation.
Audiologist Debra Shadoff, AuD, director of Audiology with a Heart, Palm Springs FL, sees it in patients all the time. At an appointment, a woman once told him that she feels left out of family and friend gatherings because she just couldn’t understand the conversation.
“We had a long conversation about how lonely and upsetting it is when everyone is having a good time and you can’t participate.” Dr. Shadoff stated.
The good news? Hearing aids or other treatments often improve not just the hearing loss, but the depression, too.
What the research shows
It’s well established that people over 65 with hearing loss are more likely to have depression than others of the same age without hearing loss1.
The numbers vary, but the total prevalence of depression among older people with hearing loss is roughly 1 in 52,3.
These risks are higher if the hearing loss is severe, or when there is dual sensory impairment, such as vision and hearing loss.
Why is depression more common?
Researchers don’t know precisely why, but they theorize that it is linked to the struggles with communication and resulting social isolation that can occur. Additionally, some of it may be related to changes in the brain as we get older.
Either way, people with hearing loss have greater difficulty following the flow of conversation. Responses that reference the discussion from a few minutes ago can make people appear disoriented. Also, frequently asking people to repeat themselves may frustrate others, causing the person to shut down.
The good news? Treating hearing loss can benefit mental health
The good news is that if depression is either due to or exacerbated by hearing loss, treatment could have a positive impact on your mental health.
Hearing aids are the most common treatment for most types of hearing loss.
Along with making it easier to hear, research has shown that hearing aids can improve people’s social, emotional and psychological quality of life.
Most people don’t always recognize the psychological toll hearing loss takes – but once they spend a few weeks getting accustomed to wearing hearing aids, patients often wish they’d been fitted for them sooner.
How to talk about hearing loss with a loved one
If you are concerned that a parent or other loved one is exhibiting signs of hearing loss and struggling with depression, you may not be sure how to start the conversation.
“Try not to force your parent into a decision. Most people become defensive and contrary when they are told they must do something and can resist just to be contrary.
One thing that can be helpful is to frame the conversation in terms of the benefits that come with treatment.
For example, you could mention how hearing aids can make it easier to join in on conversations with friends and family, or how wearing them can reduce their dependency on their partners. It’s also helpful to point out that hearing aid technology has improved significantly, making them much more effective, especially with cell phones.
Bottom line
It’s understandable that untreated hearing loss can take a toll on a person’s mental health and increase depression. Grieving the loss of your hearing is normal and understandable. However, there are many steps you can take to help manage these issues. Hearing aids and other treatment options can help you stay socially active, engage with others and allow you be fully present in the moments that matter most.
To make an appointment for a hearing evaluation, please call 561-366-7219, text 561-559-7673, e-mail us debrashadoff@audiologywithaheart.com or visit our website www.audiologywithaheart.com
(561) 366-7219
www.audiologywithaheart.com
2324 S. Congress Ave.
Suite 2G Palm Springs, FL 33406
Sources:
1. Hearing Loss and Depression in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
and Meta-analysis, 2019
2. Hearing Impairment Associated With Depression in US Adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010, published in 2014
3. Depression in elderly patients with hearing loss: current perspectives, 2019
