
One of the most significant effects of untreated hearing loss, especially in older adults, is poor mental well-being.
According to the American Academy of Audiology, nearly 33 percent of adults aged 70 and older experience hearing loss that disrupts daily communication, yet less than 25 percent use hearing aids. On average, it takes seven years for someone to seek help after noticing signs of hearing loss. During that time, social isolation can increase, leading to feelings of depression, withdrawal, and loneliness.
When individuals struggle to follow conversations, they often withdraw from social activities to avoid the frustration and embarrassment of not being able to hear. This can severely affect their mood and overall quality of life. However, studies show that regular hearing aid use is linked to a lower prevalence of depression, and some people see improvement in depressive symptoms within just three months of using hearing aids.
If you know someone who may be struggling with hearing loss, encourage them to seek help. Awareness and early intervention are key to protecting both hearing and mental health.
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