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The Hidden Connection Between Hearing Loss and Depression. Are You Feeling Down? Your Hearing Could Be Part of the Story

  • Apr 1
  • 2 min read

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears—it can affect your mood, your relationships, and your overall mental health. If you’ve been feeling more isolated, anxious, or less like yourself lately, it might be time to take a closer look at your hearing.

What the Research Shows

Studies consistently show a strong link between untreated hearing loss and depression, especially in adults over 50.

In fact:

  • Older adults with hearing loss are up to 2.5 times more likely to develop depression compared to those with normal hearing.

  • A large 2020 CDC study found that moderate or worse hearing loss was associated with significantly higher rates of moderate to severe depression.

  • Hearing loss has also been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life.


Why Hearing Loss Affects Mental Health

Hearing loss can:

  • Make it harder to connect with others, leading to social isolation

  • Increase the mental effort needed to follow conversations, which can be exhausting

  • Cause frustration in relationships due to communication breakdowns

  • Lead to embarrassment, avoidance of social situations, and low self-esteem

These effects can all contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.


Hearing Aids Can Help—More Than You Think

The good news? Research also shows that treating hearing loss may reduce depression symptoms. Many patients report:

  • Improved mood

  • Less social fatigue

  • Greater confidence in conversations

  • A stronger sense of connection with family and friends

Even mild hearing loss can have an impact—so it’s never too early to check your hearing.


Don’t Let Hearing Loss Hold You Back

If you’ve been struggling emotionally or noticing signs of hearing trouble, addressing your hearing might be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

At Hear & There Audiology, we make hearing care easy and accessible—wherever you are. Whether you’re ready to try hearing aids or just want to talk about your options, we’re here to support your journey to better hearing and better mental health.


References:

  • Martinez, C. et al. (2015). Hearing Loss and Depression in US Adults. JAMA Otolaryngology

  • CDC. (2020). National Health Interview Survey: Hearing Loss and Depression Data.

  • Cosh, S. et al. (2019). The association between hearing loss and depression in older adults. International Psychogeriatrics

 
 
 

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