The Psychology of Hearing Changes with Age: Impact and Coping
Loss of hearing is a common complaint among older adults, whether it’s caused by genetics, noise, illness, or age. Losing your ability to hear can dramatically impact the way you interact with others and experience life. It can also put you at greater risk for developing mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. In fact, hearing loss and depression in older adults go hand in hand. One study showed that older adults with deafness were 47% more likely to experience depression symptoms.
The Emotional Impact of Hearing Impairment
Hearing and speech are vital to our ability to communicate with other people through language. Deafness-whether mild, moderate, or total-interferes with our ability to communicate and socialize. It affects the quality of our interactions with other people, whether we’re trying to understand someone on the phone or order a meal in a restaurant. Participating in everyday casual banter is not easy for those who don’t hear well.
The individual might feel shame, awkwardness, and inadequacy because they’re not able to understand others or keep up with the discussion. The inability to hear clearly can cause disorientation, leading the person to behave in socially unacceptable ways such as speaking out of turn-and this only heightens their embarrassment. For seniors who struggle to hear every day, the mental exhaustion can cause them to simply give up.
They might eventually start skipping birthday parties, dinners, holiday gatherings, and other events where large groups of people gather in noisy settings. While this self-imposed reclusiveness may seem easier, over time it can make the person socially isolated, lonely, and depressed. Adults with hearing loss may become anxious about missing phone calls and alarms. The social exclusion and loneliness linked with hearing loss can predispose people to schizophrenia.
The Neurological Effects of Hearing Loss
How does hearing loss affect the brain? The task of processing the sounds we hear helps our brain stay active. When you lose some or all of your hearing, the part of your brain that performs this task can atrophy (deteriorate). People who hear normally often assume that speaking loudly and repeating words is an appropriate response to an older adult with deafness.
Coping Strategies and Support
Losing the ability to hear represents a significant loss. And like with any loss, it’s often followed by a grieving period. If you’re facing a loss of hearing, it doesn’t have to define you or prevent you from living a full and happy life.
1. Seek Professional Help
Hearing loss can be effectively treated and managed in ways that were not possible even a few years ago. Many people have trouble admitting they need help. But early action is important, since hearing loss left untreated can worsen. Start with your primary care provider. If they aren’t able to diagnose your condition, you may be referred to another professional (e.g., an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or occupational therapist) who can evaluate your situation and help you explore all of your options. Feeling nervous about seeing a doctor for your hearing loss? Ask someone you trust to accompany you to your visit. Regaining the ability to hear clearly can counter the anguish of hearing problems and restore your quality of life.
2. Mental Health Counseling
In addition to therapeutic interventions, consider seeing a therapist who has experience working with adults who have lost their hearing. They can assist you in navigating the grieving process and develop healthy coping skills and strategies.
3. Knowledge and Support Networks
If you or a loved one is dealing with hearing issues, you are not alone. There are many organizations that are dedicated to advancing hearing loss education and awareness. Hearing Loss Association of America, for example, provides information and resources on hearing loss prevention, causes, and treatments.
Hearing loss and other aging-related changes can bring on a range of difficult emotions. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression and/or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.