Why hearing loss affects the body and mind
Hearing loss not only has physical effects, but also has a direct impact on mental health. Studies have shown that people with hearing impairments are increasingly exposed to factors that can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Loneliness and social isolation in particular often go hand in hand with increasing hearing problems. Those affected feel uncomfortable in groups, have problems following conversations and lose touch with their fellow human beings in noisy environments. In many cases, this leads to those affected withdrawing and increasingly avoiding social contact.
Depression and dementia as a result of hearing loss
People with hearing loss often report feeling like a burden to those around them. Repeated questions and misunderstandings when communicating become unpleasant situations that they want to avoid. Research has shown that hearing loss promotes anxiety, restricts activity and mobility and can even lead to dementia in certain circumstances, particularly in senior citizens. The findings: Hearing loss places an enormous burden on older people in many ways, both physically and mentally, and limits activities of daily living.
Hearing solutions for a better quality of life
Actively tackling hearing loss with a suitable hearing solution can have a direct impact on mental health. Studies have concluded that the use of hearing aids can reduce mental decline. In addition, a survey of 2069 people with hearing loss and 1710 of their family members found that people with hearing aids tended to report improvements in their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. On average, they are more socially active and suffer less from depression, anxiety, worry, paranoia and insecurity compared to those without hearing aids.
Networking creates security
Sharing experiences with other affected people can also be a helpful support. Through self-help groups and initiatives on the subject, you can find people who have gone down the path to hearing (again) themselves and would like to share their experiences.
Sources:
- Amieva H, Ouvrard C, Giulioli C, Meillon C, Rullier L, Dartigues JF. Self-Reported Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, and Cognitive Decline in Elderly Adults: A 25-Year Study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015 Oct;63(10):2099-104. doi: 10.1111/jgs.13649. PMID: 26480972.
- Kochkin S, Rogin C. Quantifying the obvious: The impact of hearing instruments on quality of life. Hearing Review. 2000; 7(1):6-34.
The Impact of Hearing Instruments on Quality of Life
- Masao Iwagami et al. Associations between self-reported hearing loss and outdoor activity limitations, psychological distress and self-reported memory loss among older people: Analysis of the 2016 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in Japan, Geriatrics & Gerontology International(2019). DOI: 10.1111/ggi.13708
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-07-loss-tied-mental-physical-social.html
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