Even if you have an active, healthy lifestyle, you could develop hearing loss and certain cognitive concerns as you age. And scientists have recognized a strong link between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will help if you don’t switch that hearing aid off.
People with untreated hearing loss are twice as likely to cope with depression. About 27% more people with untreated hearing loss reported “often feeling sad” compared to those who used a hearing aid.
They were also 39% more likely to think the people around them get upset for “no reason” and 24% more likely to steer clear of social experiences they once loved.
Let’s look at this interesting study and an even more troubling statistic you won’t want to hear but should know about. Keep that hearing aid turned on!
Our ideas about hearing loss will be totally changed by this study
Age-related hearing loss has been considered a harmless affliction for centuries. It was widely believed that compensation would come from all of the other senses. People would simply go on with their lives attempting to live safely, healthily, and happily. Apart from hearing impairment, it was believed that loss of hearing had no other adverse health effects.
Of course we now know that isn’t the case. This study demonstrates just one of the larger effects that hearing loss has on a person’s general health.
As a society, we will need to reconsider hearing loss based on this well-structured and significant study.
How the study was conducted
Committed researchers at the National Institute for Aging (NCOA) conducted this study and surveyed over 2000 individuals 50 and older. People with untreated hearing loss and people who used hearing aids were among the participants. They asked clinically-relevant questions to determine the levels of:
- Isolation
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
The study took a ground-breaking step by including more than 2000 family members of the study participants. What they documented helped to give the participant’s statements validity. When we discuss hearing loss, this study, with the extra verification, becomes even more pertinent.
How health and quality of life are affected by depression
According to the American Psychological Association, those who struggle with depression are more likely to develop eating disorders that can cause acute 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, driving, cleaning, and other activities. Healing is slower in people who cope with depression and that can result in longer hospital stays.
Depression can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
As the hearing loss advances, so does the depression. The individual usually becomes more and more isolated, lonely, and unable to care for him or herself.
Now, let’s take a look at a really sad statistic.
Hearing aid usage rates
Only around 25% of individuals who need hearing aids actually use them. Yup! For many, this increased rate of depression and all of its unwanted impacts are totally unnecessary and avoidable, yet they’re not taking steps to prevent it.
Why so many decide not to wear a hearing aid
When asked why they don’t use a hearing aid, many individuals say they do own one. They just won’t wear it because it makes them “look old.” They’re embarrassed.
A hearing aid update would be advantageous for these individuals. Today’s hearing aids can sync to your smart devices, work better, and are more discreet. This makes them feel more like an extension of your smart technology and less like a hearing aid.
A smaller but significant number of people 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 budget friendly and accessible. In addition, individuals who object to the cost of hearing aids also don’t recognize how much-untreated hearing loss can cost them in the long run. They don’t recognize how hearing loss effects their overall life. Untreated hearing loss can increase your overall healthcare costs by as much as 4o percent in just a few years.
What can you do to reduce hearing-associated depression symptoms?
Wear your hearing aid proudly. Show people how much healthier you can feel when you can hear, wear your hearing aids proudly, and help get rid of the stigma.
Take some time to learn the advanced features of your modern hearing aid to optimize your hearing experience in every situation. If you’re just turning the volume up and down, you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid. If you haven’t upgraded your hearing aid in a while, meet with us for a demo.
If you feel you’re not getting the most out of your hearing aid and are tempted to not use it, speak with us today about how to make use of your hearing aid more effectively.
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References
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-older-adults-need-to-know-about-hearing-loss