Social Isolation Resulting From Loss of Hearing

Hearing loss can feel like it snuck up on you, when in reality it often takes years to manifest. Having a hearing problem can result in several other subsequent problems that affect your physical as well as psychological well-being.

Losing your hearing can result in problems such as lowered earning capacity, troubled interpersonal relationships, depression, injury, and even dementia. A recent study found that those with hearing loss who have not sought treatment tend to suffer from depression, paranoia, as well as anxiety at higher rates than those who use hearing aids to treat their hearing loss.

People who are elderly and suffer from untreated damaged hearing also indicate that they have intense feelings of sorrow and depression that lasts more than a few weeks. This was found to occur at a much lower rate for those elderly people who used hearing aids.

Social isolation can become a part of your daily life if you have untreated loss of hearing. Thankfully, using hearing aids can help you get back your quality of life and help you become more social. People who wear hearing aids tend to socialize more (42%) than those who do not use hearing aids (32%) for their hearing loss.

Losing out on your social skills affects you in various ways. Apart from depression and anxiety, you may also become prone to developing dementia and Alzheimer’s due to social isolation. Loss of hearing that causes social isolation can result in loss of communication skills due to lack of social contact. In fact, a recent study found that those with even a mild level levels of hearing loss doubled the likelihood of developing dementia. Those with medium levels of hearing damage face a tripled likelihood of having dementia, while those with severe hearing loss run five times the increased risk of having dementia later in life!

Those who use hearing aids show a massive improvements in their interpersonal and social lives. The National Council on Aging reported that after using hearing instruments, people with hearing loss report having improved interpersonal relationships at home and in the workplace. Their bond with their spouse, children, and grandchildren improve as well. Even their own self-confidence and self-esteem tend to improve with the use of hearing aids.

Using hearing aids gives a boost to your mental health, helps you and your loved ones feel more safe, and helps restart your social life. This can help you stay connected with the world around you and ward off dementia. With so many benefits of using hearing aids, it is time to seek help for your hearing loss so that you can begin to live your life to your fullest.