An opinion poll among 300 elderly hearing impaired Australians found that hearing aids had wide-ranging positive effects on personal and social relationships.In another survey study on the impact of older people who do not wear hearing aids because of denial, cost, and vanity as the biggest reasons for not wearing one. And that those who do wear them experience better family relationships and improved mental health as opposed those who don't.
Untreated hearing loss has serious emotional and social consequences for older persons, according to a major new study released today by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA). The study was conducted by the Seniors Research Group, an alliance between NCOA and Market Strategies Inc.Most seniors who use hearing aids cite better family relationships and improved mental health. And that would be expected once they get past the wrongly perceived stigma of wearing a hearing aid.
"This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss in older persons is a harmless condition," said James Firman, Ed.D., president and CEO of The National Council on the Aging. The survey of 2,300 hearing impaired adults age 50 and older found that those with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, and paranoia and were less likely to participate in organized social activities, compared to those who wear hearing aids.
Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss
The survey found that significantly more of the seniors with untreated hearing loss (those who do not wear hearing aids) reported feelings of sadness or depression that lasted two or more weeks during the previous year. Among respondents with more severe hearing loss, 30 percent of non-users of hearing aids reported these sad feelings, compared to 22 percent of hearing-aid users.
Another measure of emotional distress is the perception that "other people get angry at me for no reason," which psychologists often identify as an indicator of paranoia. Older non-users were more likely to agree with the statement -- "people get angry with me usually for no reason" -- (14 percent of users vs. 23 percent of non-users). Among those with more severe hearing loss, the difference was even greater -- 14 percent for users vs. 36 percent for non-users.
Because social isolation is a serious problem for some older people, the study also examined social behavior and found that people who don't use hearing aids are considerably less likely to participate in social activities. Among respondents with more severe hearing loss, 42 percent of hearing-aid users participate regularly in social activities compared to just 32 percent of non-users.
Here's a poll on love life:
Here's a poll on social life:
