Is Depression Linked to Hearing Loss?

There is an increased risk of depression in individuals with hearing loss. Several studies show that one of the leading outcomes of hearing impairment is depressive disorder. Individuals struggling with untreated hearing loss often feel lonely, which puts them at risk for depression. These people often withdraw from people because they feel socially awkward and isolated and struggle to converse with their loved ones. 

If this is you, you may feel left out in gatherings because you can’t hear what others are communicating. You might often feel lonely, irritable, and sad.  

Symptoms of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that affects how an individual thinks, acts, and feels negative. Depression makes individuals feel empty and sad, which makes it difficult for them to feel pleasure. It undermines relationships and makes it challenging to maintain good health. Individuals with this mental health problem often lack interest when participating in activities.

The following are some of the symptoms of depression:

• The individual experiences difficulty when making decisions and concentrating
• There is a change in the body weight and appetite
• Oversleeping or having difficulty sleeping
• Lack of interest in activities or hobbies
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts
• Fatigue or decreased energy 
• The individuals often feel worthless with excessive guilt
• Agitated movements
• Physical symptoms like stomach ache or headache

Depression and Tinnitus

Depression is a chronic illness that can last for weeks, months, and years. It affects the ability of the individual to function, and it can lead to death or self-harm. Many factors cause depression, including genetics, life events, or medical conditions like tinnitus and hearing loss.

Tinnitus occurs when individuals experience noises or ringing in either one or both of their ears. The noise or sound may be soft, high pitched, or low pitched, which can sound like buzzing, clicking, or ringing. It occurs most commonly in those over 40.  In older adults, tinnitus is one of the early signs of hearing loss.

The nerve connecting the ear to the parts of the brain that process sound is called the auditory nerve. Defects in the auditory nerve can result in tinnitus.  Also, individuals who work in extremely noisy environments can develop tinnitus over time. 

Some of the causes of tinnitus are:

• Sinus and ear infections
• Tumors in the brain
• A noise-induced hearing loss
• Medication

Tinnitus Depression

There is a strong connection between tinnitus and depression because tinnitus is generally known to cause distress. The percentage of individuals with tinnitus living with depression is high. It is advisable that individuals that undergo treatment for tinnitus also undergo treatment for depression. 

Isolation is one of the early symptoms of depression in some people. Tinnitus generally fills the ears of individuals with various sounds no one else hears. Some individuals with tinnitus and hearing loss isolate themselves and are socially awkward because they have difficulty communicating. 

Tinnitus affects day-to-day activities and so living with tinnitus often makes one feel frustrated, depressed, and angry. 

How to Treat Tinnitus

Although there is no cure for tinnitus available at the moment, there are treatments that help individuals cope with tinnitus. Some of these treatments are:

• Use of Hearing Aids: Using hearing aids is helpful for individuals who have tinnitus and hearing loss. Individuals can use this device to adjust and control sound levels from outside. Maintaining the sound level makes it easier for individuals to hear and notice less tinnitus. 
• Medications: Some other medications are available online and at drug stores that can serve as an alternative remedy. However, none of these prescriptions has been proven clinically effective. 
• Tabletop or Wearable Sound Generators: These electronic devices fit into the ear and produce soothing sounds to mask tinnitus. The tabletop sound generator can be placed near the bed to help aid sleep by making pleasant sounds. 
• Counseling: Counseling helps to teach the individuals living with tinnitus how to live with it. It also helps to educate the individuals about tinnitus and how to make the noise less noticeable. 

Get Help at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas

Depression is common in people with hearing loss and tinnitus because they often feel frustrated and sad. Depression is common and mostly seen in older adults and is also an early sign of hearing loss. Fortunately, there’s a suitable treatment approach. Hearing Associates of Las Vegas provides help to individuals experiencing tinnitus and hearing loss.