Several studies point to the fact that your hearing can affect your mental health. Find out how healthy hearing can keep you happy!
It’s fairly obvious that hearing loss can have an effect on how well you function in day-to-day living. Getting the details on an assignment at work or taking notes during a school lecture can prove challenging if it’s hard to process words.
Hearing Aids and Quality of Life
However, using hearing aids can help to improve your mental health and overall quality of life. A recent study by the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Colombia found that the quality of life for individuals aged 60 was better for those with hearing loss that used hearing aids, compared to those who had hearing disorders and did not use hearing aids.
Another study from the Institute of Psychogerontology in Germany found that hearing-impaired individuals who used hearing aids experienced an increase in their everyday productivity. Individuals that used their hearing aids when doing diverse tasks reported feeling more satisfied with their device.
Hearing Aids for Different Tasks
Many may think that it’s okay to only access a hearing aid when it’s absolutely necessary, but getting in the habit of using it for several tasks can make you appreciate how useful it is!
There is also a variety of hearing aids suited for different tasks. Visually Guided Hearing Aids amplify sounds from areas in your field of vision and hearing aid microsystems are miniature, non-invasive devices that only need to be removed for recharging or replacement.
Furthermore, you put yourself at risk when you choose not to use hearing aids.
Hearing Loss and Mental Health
Hearing loss can affect many aspects of life, and this becomes apparent in social contexts. Asking someone to repeat what he or she said twice or three times may be a recipe for feeling self-conscious, and people with hearing loss that struggle to listen in noisy environments like parties and concerts may find themselves isolated despite being in a room filled with people.
A 2014 study by the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders found that hearing-impaired individuals under the age of 70 were more likely to experience moderate to severe depression compared to people who did not experience hearing loss.
Another study released during the same year shows that senior citizens who experience hearing loss were likely to become less extroverted.
There’s substantial evidence showing that hearing loss can also play a hand in dementia, as a 2011 John Hopkins study shows that even a mild case of hearing loss can increase your risk of getting the illness.
One of the best ways to nourish your mental health and find a comfortable social setting is to introduce yourself to people who share your perspective. There are several hearing loss meetups in the U.S., many of which include destinations with hearing-friendly services.
Not only can branching out be a fun way to potentially meet people with similar interests, but having a valid support system can also make it easier to wear your hearing aids without feeling self-conscious.
by Aaron Rodriques