There are many ways untreated hearing loss can affect your life—from trouble communicating to mood problems. In this post, we explore the connection between untreated hearing loss and mood, including what the research shows, why the link and what you can do.
What Does the Research Show?
One 2022 study, entitled “Is There an Association Between Untreated Hearing Loss and Psychosocial Outcomes,” sought to investigate the association between untreated hearing loss, social and emotional loneliness, social isolation, social support and psychological discomfort in older adults.
A total of 202 volunteers, ages 40 to 89, participated. Each completed a hearing assessment, social interaction and support questionnaire and social and emotional loneliness questionnaire.
The researchers found that, “Untreated hearing loss significantly increases the odds of being emotionally lonely. Depression significantly contributes to social and emotional loneliness, satisfaction with social support and social loneliness. Given the higher prevalence of loneliness and psychological discomfort and their associations with untreated hearing loss, hearing-impaired older adults are at significant risk of developing loneliness and psychological discomfort.”
Why the Link?
When you can’t hear well, you may find yourself anxious about misunderstanding people. This anxiety can cause you to remove yourself from situations where this could happen, like at Café Intermezzo, leading to social isolation. When you’re socially isolated, it makes you feel lonely and is a major risk factor for depression. This is why untreated hearing loss is related to mental health and mood disorders.
What You Can Do
The best thing you can do for your mood if you have untreated hearing loss is to schedule an appointment with an audiologist. An audiologist is a hearing expert who can administer a diagnostic hearing test and prescribe hearing devices that suit your needs. For example, hearing aids are the gold standard treatment for most cases of hearing loss, but cochlear implants may be recommended for people with severe to profound hearing loss.
If you’re still struggling with your mood after seeking treatment, see a licensed therapist and/or a psychiatrist to help stabilize your mood. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Advanced Hearing today.