Loss of Hearing Can Cause Depression

Depression is a chronic, serious mental illness that can lead to other, more dangerous conditions. Depression can suppress the immune system and even lead to paranoia and borderline schizophrenia in some people. Most people would be surprised to learn how closely undiagnosed hearing loss and depression have been linked in older adults. There have been several studies that validate the link between hearing loss and depression. One such study by the National Council on Aging found, of the 2,300 adults over age 50 in the study, those with undiagnosed hearing loss were more likely to suffer from depression and its attendant feelings of sadness, anxiety and paranoia.

It is hard to imagine such a seemingly minor problem, such as mild to moderate hearing loss, could affect a life so dramatically. The cause of depression is often not the tangible medical condition of hearing loss, but the feeling of isolation and withdrawal experienced by those with unrecognized hearing loss. A person suffering from hearing loss can often feel as though they are no longer able to interact with their family and friends, being unable to follow conversations and enjoy social gatherings.

Often something as simple as going to the opera or a movie can be denied to a person suffering from hearing loss that has not been recognized or diagnosed. The irony of the misery is, with the effective use of hearing aids, many of the symptoms of depression can be alleviated quickly. The simple act of being able to hear clearly again can lift a person’s spirit and allow them to enjoy social gatherings with their family and friends.

Early recognition of hearing loss, along with the appropriate treatment, can effectively prevent symptoms of depression from appearing at all. Frequently, denial and vanity will stop someone with hearing loss from seeing their doctor in the first place. Recognition, education and proper treatment can efficiently alleviate most, if not all, symptoms that attend hearing loss in aging adults. Research into hearing aids and their proper use can assist in preventing the symptoms of depression that can often accompany hearing loss.

Share and Enjoy: