Age-related hearing loss affects approximately one in three people between the ages of 65 and 74, as well as nearly half of people aged 75 and older. Hearing loss can majorly impact an older adult’s life in many ways, including physically, mentally, and emotionally by increasing their risk of falls, cognitive decline, and depression.
Hearing loss can make many things that used to be easy much more difficult, like talking to others. People with hearing loss often struggle to hold conversations due to difficulty hearing and processing what is being said to them. Good communication requires us to be able to understand others, and when a person’s ability to hear and understand is damaged, so is their ability to communicate well.
This breakdown in communication can cause a person to feel isolated, either because of their inability to participate in conversations, or because they’ve removed themselves from conversations entirely. This isolation often leads to sorrow and loneliness, which in turn can lead to mental health issues like depression.
If you or a loved one are struggling with hearing loss and dealing with depression as a result, it’s time to get help. Schedule an appointment at one of Hearing Unlimited’s five locations in Pittsburgh, PA, or schedule a House Call to get the help you deserve.
Reputable research has shown a strong connection between hearing loss and depression in older adults. In fact, it’s estimated that around 1 in 5 older adults with hearing loss also have symptoms of clinical depression. We also know that as a person’s ability to hear worsens, their risk of developing mental health issues increases.
When a person faces difficulty communicating with others, especially when it used to be easy, they can be left feeling embarrassed, frustrated, and lonely. For instance, a person who frequently has to ask others to repeat themselves may become embarrassed when they still can’t understand and stop asking. Or, a person who has a hard time following natural shifts in conversation may become frustrated and stop trying to engage.
A person with hearing loss might also become worried that others are talking about them, causing feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Or, they may become anxious about missing phone calls, not hearing the smoke alarm, or mishearing requests. These fears and their effects on a person’s life often cause a person to isolate themselves, leading to depression and other mental health issues.
If you or a loved one have hearing loss and are suffering from depression as a result, it’s time to visit a Hearing Unlimited hearing aid clinic. Hearing aids are a common treatment for depression related to hearing loss, and for good reason. With proper use, hearing aids can help you reconnect with those around you, reducing feelings of isolation and depression.
At Hearing Unlimited, we’re committed to giving our patients the best audiological care and comprehensive hearing aid services. As part of this commitment, we’re proud to carry many different styles and brands of hearing aids to best fit every individual’s needs. Plus, with our Unlimited Service Promise, our patients can be confident that they’re getting the most from their care.
If you’re ready to get the compassionate care you deserve, schedule an appointment with Hearing Unlimited today.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
If you notice any of these signs in a loved one, talk to them about it. It may not be easy, but it’s important for you to know how they’re feeling and that help is available. If you believe that their depression is caused by hearing loss, reach out to the experts at Hearing Unlimited for help.
Because age-related hearing loss sets in gradually, many people do not notice the decline in their ability to hear, However, there are common signs that can point to hearing loss, like frequently asking others to repeat themselves, finding it difficult to understand conversations in noisy environments like a restaurant, or hearing a constant ringing in one or both ears. If you or a loved one have been exhibiting these signs, contact us!
Yes, we do! The experts at our hearing test center in Monroeville, PA provide thorough auditory testing to evaluate our patients’ needs and find the hearing aids that will work best for them. For those who can’t make it out to Monroeville or our other locations throughout the Pittsburgh area, we also offer teleaudiology services , including hearing tests and hearing aid consultations.
Our hearing aid doctors near you in Penn Hills, South Hills, Harmarville, and North Huntington, can also help with in-person hearing aid fittings.
We’re happy you asked! If you’ve been searching for a hearing doctor in Pittsburgh, PA, schedule an appointment with the experts at Hearing Unlimited today.