Hearing Loss and Depression | Advanced ENT & Allergy

Hearing loss and depression are both common conditions in the United States. However, many people with hearing loss report stronger feelings of depression because of their condition. Let’s examine some of the reasons why this happens, as well as ways to combat it.

The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Depression

A 2014 study found that moderate hearing loss was associated with depression, particularly among older women.

One of the main reasons it’s believed hearing loss is associated with a higher rate of depression is because it can negatively affect our relationships with others. When you struggle to follow conversations or don’t trust your ability to correctly hear what is being said, it can make socializing with others feel very frustrating.

If you have hearing loss you may feel like you are missing out or that you can’t connect with loved ones the way you would like to. This can cause you to want to withdraw and isolate to avoid further uncomfortable situations. Not only does this keep you away from others, but it also makes it hard to enjoy all the wonderful activities NJ state has to offer.

Watch Out for Signs of Hearing Loss

The good news is there are steps you can take to treat your hearing loss and help alleviate your depression. The first step is recognizing the signs of hearing loss, which can include:

You have trouble following conversations in groups, particularly if there is background noise
Telephone conversations are hard to follow
You have to ask people to repeat themselves often
Other people have commented on your hearing

If you start to experience any of these signs, make an appointment with one of the area’s top audiologists for an evaluation.

What to Expect During Hearing Loss Testing

Your audiologist will determine whether you need a simple hearing test or a more comprehensive audiological assessment. Either way these tests are simple, painless and offer quick results that can help your provider make an immediate diagnosis. They may test and see:

How your ear responds to loud sounds
The quietest sound you can hear at different pitches
How well you can hear speech
What type of hearing loss you have

If your audiologist determines you have hearing loss, they will most likely recommend hearing aids.

How Hearing Aids Help with Depression

The ability to communicate clearly is essential when maintaining strong relationships and building new ones. Hearing aids make that possible by reducing the effort it takes to follow conversations. They allow you to feel confident in your ability to engage with others on a personal and professional level and stay active in your community.

If you are worried about hearing loss, now is the time to find an audiologist in New Jersey and make an appointment.

Contact Advanced ENT & Allergy today.

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