An individual who experiences depression finds it very difficult to conduct their everyday activities such as cleaning, cooking etc. They also experience feelings of loneliness, sadness and low energy. Depression may lead to social isolation and social withdraw.
Risk factors of depression are complex as they can include a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological elements, including hearing loss. If hearing loss is left untreated, it can contribute to or even lead to depression.
How is Hearing Loss Linked to Depression?
A study showed that individuals who didn't receive hearing loss treatment reported high rates of sadness and were more perceived by others as angry for no reason. People experiencing hearing loss are also more likely to self-isolate and experience social withdrawal due to their conditions, which can result in depression.
Do you know someone suffering from depression due to untreated hearing loss? What should you do?
Untreated hearing loss can contribute to depression. Hence, if a loved one is going through this, they should seek medical attention. Take your loved one to an audiologist. They will get their hearing tested, and the specialist will establish the kind of hearing loss they are experiencing. The specialist will then recommend hearing aids.
Hearing aids help individuals with hearing loss to communicate more easily with others. This will help them overcome feelings of loneliness. Hearing aids will naturally improve the quality of life. They will have the opportunity to meet more people and enjoy shared activities.
Once they have experienced hearing aid treatment, you and other people will notice behavioural changes. You can also help the person enrol in a support group or see a therapist who will help them deal with the changes they are experiencing.
If you’re looking for somewhere to get your hearing tested, book an appointment at one of the Attune Hearing clinics. We provide comprehensive hearing tests and offer solutions to help with hearing loss. Visit our website to book an appointment or contact us for more information.