Hearing Makes Us Happy

Did you know that an inability to hear speech to communicate can lead to depression? In fact, one of the biggest side effects of hearing loss is the lasting negative impact on your mental health. A 2014 study found that a loss in hearing correlates to an increase in depression in adults below the age of 70. 

People who suffer from hearing loss have a tough time communicating with others, according to JAMA Otolaryngology Neck Surgery, and that most likely accounts for the depression. The research suggests that for women between the ages of 18 to 69, the depression is more prominent.

Over the years, untreated hearing loss has been connected to many mental health conditions such as:

• Social withdrawal
• Irritability
• Anger
• Lack of focus
• Negativism

People stop trying if they can’t communicate effectively, and that leads to depression and psychological strain.

Check on loved ones who don’t socialize, ask questions, and offer to take them to their scheduled hearing examination if they can’t go. Untreated hearing loss can ultimately shorten a person’s life span, as their social interaction is drastically decreased.  Relationships require communication, and communication is essential to a happy healthy life.  Hearing = Happiness. 

– Anna Vroman, HIS