In our last blog, we highlighted various studies that show a clear link between hearing loss and depression. Untreated hearing loss can severely impact an individual's quality of life. New research shows how people with hearing loss are more likely to display signs of depression. Reasons for this may include:
- Isolation due to withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
- Isolation due to avoiding difficult listening environments such as restaurants
- Relational problems due to the difficulty of communicating
- "Brain strain"- the brain becomes more tired as it labors to process what it is barely "hearing"
The effects of untreated hearing loss are far-reaching. While research is ongoing, it has become increasingly clear that depression rates are higher among people whose hearing loss remains untreated. Is it possible to counteract the effects of hearing loss on how our brain functions? Next blog...
For more information, download the report from The Better Hearing Institute. It is listed as "Backgrounder" under the "2012 Mental Illness Awareness" heading.
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