Hearing Loss and Depression

Hearing loss is not as simple as missing part of the conversation or answering a question wrong because it was misunderstood.   Hearing loss is much more frustrating that most people can imagine.  It is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults.  Its incidence is greater than hypertension and diabetes.  A large study done by the National Council on Aging found that people with untreated hearing loss were more likely to suffer from depression, sadness, anxiety and isolation. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, people suffering from chronic problems have a 25-33% chance of being depressed as compared to   10-25% of women and 5-12% of men without chronic problems.  Hearing loss affects the way we respond to the world.  It can alter our independence, relationships and self esteem which can trigger a psychological and emotional reaction.  

It is important to treat a hearing loss early on.  Treatment may mean using hearing devices, educating those around you about hearing loss or a combination of both.  The more you and those around you understand hearing loss, the easier it will be to deal with the loss.   A hearing loss is not visible.  People, in general, are not as compassionate to someone with a hearing loss as they are to someone with a vision loss or mobility issues. 

It is our responsibility to educate them.  Just because they can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. 

In today’s technology for hearing loss, there are a host of state of the art solutions.  They range from hearing devices that are digital and programmable, hearing devices that are connected to cell phones by Bluetooth or a neck loop, deep insert instruments such as the InSound Lyric and surgical solutions such as the BAHA and cochlear implants.  Those people who use hearing instruments and use them on a regular basis are less likely to be affected by depression, isolation, anxiety and sadness.