Treating hearing loss can have a positive impact on mental health. Hearing loss can lead to stress, anger, depression, loneliness, and memory loss, among other mental health issues. A large study connected hearing loss to these mental health issues. A review of the literature found that mental health investigators and practitioners require a better understanding of hearing loss, its association with psychiatric disorders, and the treatment of these disorders in the presence of hearing loss as well as the treatment of hearing loss itself.
Another study found that older adults who received hearing aids experienced improved cognitive functioning and reduced depression symptoms. Common hearing loss treatments include hearing aids, audiologic rehabilitation, assistive listening devices, medications, and surgery. By treating hearing loss, individuals can improve their mental health and overall quality of life.
Hearing Loss and Mental Health
The relationship between hearing loss and mental health is complex. While not everyone who experiences hearing loss develops mental health problems, the risk is higher among those with hearing loss, perhaps as high as fourfold. People with hearing loss are at a higher risk of developing depression and experiencing suicidal thoughts. Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, grief, and a sense of loss of autonomy, which can affect one’s sense of self-worth. One study reported that after hearing aids, those with severe hearing loss had significant improvement in psychosocial function, compared to no change among those without hearing loss.
Mental health investigators and practitioners require a better understanding of hearing loss, its association with psychiatric disorders, and the treatment of these disorders in the presence of hearing loss as well as the treatment of hearing loss itself. By treating hearing loss, individuals can improve their mental health and overall quality of life.
Assistive Listening Devices and Mental Health
Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can have a positive impact on mental health for individuals with hearing loss. ALDs allow people with hearing loss to engage in social activities and feel safer in their environment. Hearing impairment can cause a variety of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, frustration, social isolation, and fatigue. ALDs can help individuals with hearing loss feel more emotionally supported, which can be beneficial when interacting with a person who has social anxiety. Emotional support impacts the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of the brain, resulting in decreased feelings of distress for socially anxious individuals.
By treating hearing loss with ALDs, individuals can improve their mental health and overall quality of life. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the benefits of ALDs and to provide adequate care for patients with hearing loss.
Treating Hearing Loss
Treating hearing loss can have a positive impact on mental health. Hearing loss can lead to stress, anger, depression, loneliness, and memory loss, among other mental health issues. Though not everyone who experiences hearing loss becomes depressed or develops other psychiatric problems, the risk is higher among those with hearing loss, perhaps as high as fourfold. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for hearing loss to improve overall mental health and well-being.