Most people think of the holidays as a happy time, celebrating with family and friends at festive gatherings. But those same classic holiday images can be stressful for many, sometimes triggering the mood disorder, depression.
According to the World Health Organization, depression affects more than 120 million people worldwide. Depression can have profound effects on quality of life, impairing cognitive and social function and leading to decreased performance in the workplace and elsewhere.
Depression is characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, tiredness, and poor concentration. There are effective treatments and management for depression. The maintenance or reactivation of social networks and social activities are important aspects of treatment.
During the holidays specifically, doctors and mental health professionals have documented increased rates of depression for years. In fact, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64% of people living with a mental illness reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays.
Why does this happen? With the holidays come all kinds of events that require social interactions and challenges. For some people, the result can be a stressful situation connected to the responsibility of hosting or organizing a get-together. For others, the stress can be tied to memories or past negative experiences.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Depression
Though you may not have thought of it, multiple studies have shown a strong relationship between depression and hearing loss among U.S. adults. Why? The American Academy of Audiology says when an individual’s communication becomes limited due to hearing loss, basic communication can become exhausting.
This increased effort and exhaustion can result in withdrawal from social activities with friends, family events, religious services, and other activities. Individuals with hearing loss can become isolated from others due to the challenges of communicating effectively, contributing to depression.
That is why it is important to recognize early signs of hearing loss. Feelings of isolation and depression may be side effects of untreated hearing loss, and may be more noticeable during the holidays when you’re invited to attend or host events.
Consider a consultation with an audiologist if:
- You sometimes feel embarrassed to meet new people because you have a hard time understanding conversations.
- You feel frustrated when talking to members of your family or friends because you have a hard time hearing them.
- You find yourself limiting or wanting to change your personal or social life because of annoyance or frustration with your hearing.
Hearing loss may limit your social engagement and lead to depression if:
- You avoid simple duties.
- You find yourself avoiding social situations.
- You feel alone even with family and friends.
Treatment Options for Hearing Loss
Because hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression, especially during the holidays, it’s important to recognize the role it may have in increased depression at these times.
Prescription hearing aid use has been associated with reduced likelihood of depression, helping improve communication with family and friends and reducing social isolation.
If you think you or a loved one has a hearing loss, see an audiologist for a diagnostic hearing evaluation. This can help determine if a hearing loss is present, plus if it is, the audiologist can make recommendations for treatment with prescription hearing aids to fit your lifestyle and budget, helping you live life to the fullest and enjoy special moments again.
