Untreated Hearing Loss Linked to Depression and Social Isolation

A study by the National Council on the Aging determined untreated hearing loss can lead to severe depression and social isolation among older adults, reports WOTV . A poll of 2,300 hearing-impaired adults 50 and older found those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia, and less likely to engage in organized social activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids. A significantly greater number of seniors with untreated hearing loss noted feeling sad or depressed, with episodes lasting two or more weeks during the previous years. Thirty percent of non-hearing aid users with more severe hearing loss reported sadness, versus 22 percent of hearing aid users. Older non-users also were more likely to agree that "people get angry with me usually for no reason," as were non-users with more severe hearing loss. Non-users also were considerably less likely to participate in social activities. "This survey is groundbreaking not only in the large size of the sample but also in the inclusion of 2,090 close family members or friends of the hearing-impaired respondents who were asked a parallel set of questions," said Carolyn Holmes with the Seniors Research Group.