50+ Lifestyles

Untreated Hearing Loss, Lost Opportunities and Depression

By Dr. Molly Parker
Audiologist and Owner
Parker Audiology, P.C.

Dr. Alison Soto
Audiologist
Parker Audiology, P.C.

Depression is serious and increasingly is found to be linked to hearing loss. Shared symptoms between hearing loss and depression can include irritability, frustration, trouble sleeping, restlessness and loss in interest or pleasure in personal activities. If you suspect depression and/or hearing loss, your symptoms should be discussed with your physician.  If warranted, your physician can refer you to a local audiologist for an evaluation of your hearing loss.

The realization of hearing loss occurs at different times for different people…and the outcomes of untreated hearing loss range from “faking it” to complete isolation from family and friends. There are practical considerations for hearing loss, such as not hearing the doorbell when family stops by. But outcomes can be more serious, such as not accurately hearing instructions or misunderstanding intentions. Hearing loss can affect health, financial or legal outcomes (e.g. mis-hearing instructions), failed prospects at work (e.g. misunderstanding clients’ wants and needs), and personal relationships (misinterpreting comments). These small, missed-opportunities take their toll and eventually snowball into real problems, ultimately resulting in feelings of incompetence and depression.

There are so many options for everyone to hear better.. Hearing instruments can be as invisible as contact lenses. For some types of devices, we can program them from our office to your home.  Hearing aid technology can keep you connected and in the conversation with your friends and family.

In this economy, missed opportunities are unacceptable; small packages can result in big improvements in your life.  Success in hearing CAN come in your direction with a
customized evaluation. Call for an evaluation and consider a test drive with smart, tiny hearing aid technology this holiday season.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2644978/

Dr. Molly Parker has been practicing Audiology in the Quad Cities for 17 years. She is the owner of Parker Audiology, PC. Call Dr. Alison Soto or Dr. Molly Parker today for an appointment at (563) 265-8003.