Anxiety, Depression and Hearing Loss

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18% of adults are experiencing anxiety, and about seven percent of adults have a depressive disorder each year. While both conditions can be declining, hearing loss is also a significant problem for many people. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize a connection between anxiety, depression and hearing loss. This article will explore that connection and discuss how it can impact your life.

Social Withdrawal and Isolation

One of the most common symptoms of both anxiety and depression is social withdrawal and isolation. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it can be challenging to muster up the energy to see friends or family. You may start avoiding social situations altogether because you don’t want people to see you struggling.

While this may seem like a harmless way to cope, it can worsen your anxiety or depression. When you’re isolated from others, you don’t have the opportunity to get support and encouragement. You also miss out on the positive effects of social interactions on your mental health.

Feeling Tired and Run Down

Another common symptom of anxiety and depression is feeling tired and run down. When you’re struggling with your mental health, it’s hard to find the motivation to take care of yourself. You may start skipping meals, neglecting your hygiene or not getting enough sleep. This can lead to a vicious cycle where your mental health declines because you’re not taking care of yourself and not taking care of yourself because of your mental health.

Amplified Anxiety and Depression

One of the most surprising ways that hearing loss can impact your mental health is amplifying anxiety and depression. When you have hearing loss, you may start to feel like you’re not part of the world around you. You may feel like people are talking about you or that they’re judging you because you can’t hear them.

This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. You may also feel like you’re not capable because you can’t do something essential to communication. This can amplify feelings of anxiety and depression.

Anger and Denial

Another common reaction to hearing loss is anger and denial. It can be challenging to accept that you have hearing loss. You may feel like you’re not old enough or that there must be some other explanation. This can lead to feelings of frustration and anger. You may start to withdraw from social situations because you don’t want people to see you struggling. You may also begin to resent the people around you who can hear. This can lead to a downward spiral where your hearing loss leads to increased anxiety and depression, leading to more hearing loss.

The Psychosocial Effects of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can influence both your personal life and your career. In personal relationships, hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and isolation. You may start to feel like you’re not part of the conversation. This can strain your relationships and make it difficult to connect with others. In your career, hearing loss can also lead to social isolation. You may be hesitant to participate in meetings or conference calls. You may also find it difficult to advance in your career if you cannot hear what your colleagues are saying. This may significantly compromise your quality of life.

Symptoms Hearing Loss

If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your hearing instrument specialist. Here are a few symptoms:

• Difficulty hearing other people
• Difficulty hearing in noisy environment
• Inability to follow conversations
• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
• Difficulty understanding speech

Treatment of Hearing Loss

If you think you might have hearing loss, it’s essential to see a hearing instrument specialist. They will perform a hearing test and determine if you have hearing loss. If you do have hearing loss, they will recommend the best treatment option for you. There are various hearing aids available that can help improve your hearing. Hearing aids can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Different types of hearing aids include:

• In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid: This is a common type of hearing aid. It’s a small, discreet hearing aid that fits in the outer.
• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid: This type of hearing aid is larger and sits behind your ear.
• In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids: These are the smallest type of hearing aids, and they fit entirely in your ear canal.

Anxiety and Depression

If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. They will be able to diagnose and treat your condition. Treatment for anxiety and depression may include medication, therapy or a combination of both.

Anxiety, depression and hearing loss are all connected in various ways. It’s important to be aware of these connections and seek help if you’re struggling. Hearing instrument specialists can help you improve your hearing and get your life back on track. Learn more about Hearing Well Matters, contact us at (647) 247-2704 today.