Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could experience hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you get older. And a strong link between the two has been recognized by scientists which should never be overlooked. So don’t turn off that hearing aid.
People with neglected hearing loss are twice as likely to cope with depression. Nearly 27% more people with neglected hearing loss reported “frequently feeling sad” in contrast to those who used a hearing aid.
They were also 24% more likely to stop doing things they once loved and 39% more likely to feel as if people are mad at them for no reason.
There’s an even more troubling statistic you should know about, though you won’t like it very much. Don’t turn that hearing aid off!
This study turns our ideas about hearing loss upside down
For centuries, age-related hearing loss has been considered a “harmless” condition. It was thought that the other senses would merely compensate. The person would simply get by and go on to live the rest of their days healthily, safely, and happily. Hearing loss wasn’t believed to have any health impact besides the hearing impairment.
Now we know better. One of the effects hearing loss can have on your overall health is investigated in this study.
This significant and well-structured study forces us to reconsider hearing loss as a society.
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 mix of hearing aid users and those with untreated hearing loss. They asked clinically-relevant questions to identify the levels of:
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Over 2000 family members of the participants were also involved in this ground-breaking study. They did this to help corroborate what the participants were self-reporting. With this additional verification, this study becomes even more significant when we talk about the effects of hearing loss.
How health and quality of life are affected by depression
Eating disorders such as severe obesity or significant weight loss are more likely in people who cope with depression, according to the American Psychological Association. Memory loss and insomnia are also more predominant in those with untreated hearing loss.
While cooking, driving, and other activities, their reduced reaction time can result in severe injury. Those who suffer with depression have even been found to heal less quickly, causing complications and lengthy hospital stays.
Depression can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
Depression progresses as hearing loss advances. The person often becomes less capable of caring for themselves as loneliness and solitude set in.
Now, let’s take a look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
About 75% of individuals who need hearing aids don’t use them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its adverse effects are entirely unnecessary and preventable, yet they’re not taking steps to prevent it.
Why do so many people avoid using a hearing aid?
When asked why they don’t wear a hearing aid, many individuals say they do own one. They just don’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be beneficial for these individuals. Today’s hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more discreet. This makes them feel less like a hearing aid and more like an extension of their smart technology.
A smaller but significant number of people say they can’t afford one. The link between disregarded hearing loss and general health risks is now starting to be recognized by states and insurance companies. Hearing aids are, due to this, becoming more available and affordable. And neglected hearing loss can cost a lot of money over time which the majority of people don’t think about. They don’t understand how hearing loss impacts their overall life. In only a few years, your overall health cost can go up by as much as 40% because of unaddressed hearing loss.
How can hearing associated depression symptoms be minimized?
Wear your hearing aid with pride. Show people how much better you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help remove the stigma.
Take some time to learn the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to maximize your hearing experience in every setting. You’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid by simply cranking up the volume. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid for a while, contact us for a demo.
Consult us as soon as possible 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 put it in a drawer.
References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss