Anxiety is a common disorder among the general population, but it’s even more common for people with hearing loss. There is good news, however; research shows that treating hearing loss can help with anxiety.
One 2017 study reports, “The problem of anxiety and depression in patients with moderate and severe sudden sensorineural hearing loss is relatively prominent, and the symptoms of anxiety and depression are obviously affected by the symptoms and other diseases. After treatment, anxiety and depression status changes significantly.”
In this post, we review more about the connection between these two conditions and how treating hearing loss can help with anxiety.
What Does the Research Show?
Many studies have established that there is a strong correlation between hearing loss and anxiety. Another 2017 study found that the more severe your hearing loss is, the greater the chance of having this disorder. Out of 1,700 adults ages 76 to 85, those with mild hearing loss had a 32% higher chance of having anxiety, and for those with moderate or higher hearing loss, this chance rose by 59%.
Why Is There a Link?
If you have hearing loss, it can make you worry about a lot of things:
- You may have anxiety about mishearing someone and responding inappropriately to what they say.
- You may fret that you do not understand what your doctor says during appointments or over the phone.
- You may worry that you’ll miss an important warning sound like an alarm or car honking.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
The key to treating anxiety is to identify and address the underlying cause. So, if your hearing loss is what’s causing your anxiety disorder, know that seeking treatment will help with both conditions. If you can hear what your conversation partner is saying at South Kitchen + Bar during lunch time, you won’t feel as anxious about how your respond. If you can hear warning sounds, you won’t worry as much about your physical safety.
Are There Other Devices That Can Help?
Yes, other devices can help relieve anxiety that aren’t hearing aids. One example is a sunrise alarm clock that wakes you with light so you aren’t worried about being late for work. Another example is a captioned phone, which will allow you to communicate without being anxious about mishearing important information. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call ENT of Athens today.