Hearing Loss Can Lead to Depression & Anxiety, Study Confirms

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It looks like people suffering from hearing loss has another major concern to worry about as a study discovers that anxiety, depression and other cognitive disorders can be the result of untreated hearing loss.

According to The Standard Daily, a research that has been presented at the yearly American Psychological Association states that people who has untreated hearing loss are more than likely to develop depression, dementia and other cognitive problems over time.

In previous studies, it has been discovered that individuals from ages 20 to 69 are likely to get hearing aid 50 percent of the time compared to individuals over the age of 70. Consequently, the longer these individuals do not treat their hearing loss and the problem worsens, then they are at a higher risk of suffering from cognitive issues and memory loss or dementia.

Dr. David Myers, lead author and professor at the Hope College in Michigan, said individuals suffering from difficulty in hearing can have the best chances of aid and improved life quality if hearing aid technology is introduced early into the disorder, writes iFree Press. The professor added that the latest hearing aid innovations can make them regain control over their life and be emotionally stable, which can help them strengthen their cognitive and brain function.

Dr. Myers is well aware of this because he has been a victim of hearing loss himself and has refused to acknowledge the condition until he was 40 years old. He said according to their study, most individuals prefer to live with hearing loss than seek treatment because they are disappointed, in rage and in despair. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association has even written a report stating that only around 20 percent patients seek help while mostly wait 10 years from the time they were diagnosed to actually get and use hearing aids.

Morning Ticker elaborates how Dr. Myers and his team has conducted the study, citing that in 2300 subjects, the team has discovered that 50 percent are at risk of suffering from depression and the longer the disorder progresses, the cognitive issues become increasingly manifested.

The advancement of hearing loop technology has increased awareness in the US and today, this type of technology can now be seen in public places to aid people suffering from hearing loss. The researchers hope that as the technology becomes common, hearing loss patients can take advantage of it to avoid getting any long-term complications in the future.