Millions of people around the world have experienced depression, and there are often underlying factors beneath the way they are feeling. For some, it’s a chemical imbalance, and for others, certain life events can cause them to deteriorate mentally.

Hearing loss is one such situation that could potentially cause depression in some. Thankfully, with the help of an audiologist and the use of hearing aids, this cause of depression can be eliminated.

How does hearing loss lead to depression?

There are a number of reasons as to why somebody with hearing loss might start to experience depression. The following are some prominent examples:

Hearing loss can reduce a person's quality of life

There are all kinds of things that can make us happy in our lifetimes, but hearing loss, if left untreated, can get in the way of some of these things. It can prevent a person from enjoying the music they listen to; the television shows they watch and the films they would ordinarily enjoy at the cinema or at home. Hearing loss can affect a person's working life, as they may be unable to hear what their employers, colleagues and customers are saying to them. Hearing loss can lead to embarrassing moments at home and at work, as the person might make verbal gaffes because they have misheard what has been said to them. And hearing loss can make life difficult in all manner of other ways, inside and outside of the home environment, as conversations will be missed, telephone calls will go unheard and simple tasks, such as going to the shops, can become difficult when it is hard to hear what others are saying.

Hearing loss is a medical condition that will worsen over time. It is a life-altering experience that needs to be treated. And if it isn't treated, then it's understandable that depression will set in, as being unable to hear in life can provoke stress, anxiety and considerable amounts of frustration.

Hearing loss can lead to social isolation

We rely on one another for support, social company, good times and laughter. We can take great pleasure from one another's company, and when with others, we can take a break from our worries, our stresses, and the arrows of misfortune that life sometimes throws at us. But for somebody with hearing loss, the benefits of socializing can be compromised. For one, they might struggle to cope socially. People with hearing loss find it hard to pick up what people are saying in noisy environments, so parties and busy restaurants can become places of stress. A night out can become embarrassing when it’s hard to understand what somebody is saying. For this reason, it might be that the person with hearing loss starts to avoid opportunities for socializing. Rather than risk stress and embarrassment, they might remain at home and consequently spend hours alone. This in itself is an instigator for depression.

If left untreated, a person with hearing loss will continually struggle to cope when in the social company of others, and they might then spend longer periods alone. Without the support of others to draw upon, and without the fun factor that other people can bring, it is understandable that depression could set in.

Hearing loss can lead to feelings of sadness

As we have discussed, hearing loss can affect a person's life in a variety of ways, and because they will start to miss out on things they used to take for granted, sadness and a sense of grief could be experienced. They might feel sad that they can no longer enjoy the things they used to. They might feel sad that they are unable to progress within their careers. They might feel sad that they have lost touch with friends and extended family members. And they might experience sadness because life just isn't the same as it used to be. 

Long periods of sadness are bound to lead to feelings of depression, and this is why it's important to consult with an audiologist. Life can be stressful, and we all feel sad at times, but once this becomes the norm, it can affect you mentally.

Contact us

If you have related to this and you are experiencing depression because of hearing loss, don't struggle alone. With the help of an audiologist and with hearing aids fitted, you will be able to enjoy your usual quality of life again. 

Hear at the Physicians Hearing Center, we can support you with all of your hearing needs. To find out more about us and to book an appointment, call us at (334) 441-4090, and take that first step towards a life that doesn't have to be compromised by hearing loss.