Hearing Loss and Depression

The Better Hearing Institute had an interesting article October7, 2010, about the link between hearing loss and depression. According to Sergei Kochkin, Phd., executive director of the Better Hearing Institute,"When left untreated, hearing loss often leads to isolation, depression, and other emotional conditions that can effect mental health and quality of life. Yet, hearing loss remains one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today." The article discussed a study done by the National Council on Aging, and its findings that people age 50 or older with untreated hearing loss were " more likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration, emotional instability and paranoia, and were less likely to participate in organized social activities than those who wore hearing aids. " The study went on to say that people who did seek help with their hearing showed a reduction in their depression, improved interpersonal relationships, and experienced a" greater belief that they were in control of their lives." I have heard a myriad of stories from people telling me just how much hearing aids improved their quality of life. Many times, if they were not given the opportunity to try hearing aids, they would not have realized just how much they helped them.