Impact of Hearing Loss on Mental Health

When it comes to hearing loss, there can be a wide range of causes for the condition, from easily-identifiable factors like noise exposure to less-common medication issues. The problems that develop, whether they are in the inner ear or the middle ear structures, can happen over time, and they aren’t always related to genetics. Sometimes hearing loss comes from an environmental issue. Neurological issues can also largely affect the way that the brain interprets and converts sound that is received by the ears. Regardless of what caused hearing loss, the results of allowing it to remain untreated are conclusive: a significant impact to your quality of life and mental well-being.

Why Does Hearing Loss Develop?

Before we can go into understanding how hearing issues can impact mental health, we have to understand why people lose their ability to hear in the first place. Hearing loss is typically classified as conductive, sensorineural or mixed – which is a combination of the first two. Typical causes can range from anything to do with exposure to loud noise, abnormal growths in the air itself, and auditory nerve damage. Hearing loss can also occur over time as we age, and therefore there’s a prevalence of hearing loss in the senior community.

Social Impacts of Hearing Loss

Hearing issues can impact people of any age, which means that people of any age can also deal with their mental health declining as a result. Not being able to hear clearly in conversation or feeling like you can get involved with friends and family in crowded situations can lead to you feeling isolated and alone. Hearing issues can easily affect other aspects of your overall Wellness and they can lead to an increase in the risk of anxiety and mood disorders developing. Depression is very common for those who are dealing with hearing loss, and the help of an audiologist will ensure that you are able to gain as much exposure to hearing technology as possible. With the right help and assistance, you can avoid the impact on your mental health.

Feelings Associated with Hearing Loss

Some people feel shame and embarrassment when it comes to hearing loss. There is also a large feeling of inadequacy and a loss of self-esteem that people have to deal with anxiety and paranoia can also occur because when you can’t hear anything properly, you can wonder what you are missing out on. Dealing with hearing loss means that an appointment with an audiologist is an absolute must, so you can determine the cause of the hearing loss and what you can do to support your hearing in future. People with hearing loss may decide not to engage in social situations anymore, which can lead to a decline in mental health.

The solution is to visit an audiologist to have your hearing tested, receive a diagnosis and form a treatment plan. They will help to connect you with mental health professionals if you are struggling with depression as a result of hearing us, and the right treatments and therapeutic options can help to ensure that you are not feeling alone in your efforts to improve your hearing.