8. Silently Suffering with Hearing Loss Negatively Affects Quality of Life – October 2015 – The Hearing Review

Many individuals silently suffer with hearing loss despite the advances made in hearing aid technology and research that suggest that use of hearing aids may lessen depression and anxiety and improve cognitive function. A study was completed by the National Council on Aging which looked at 2,304 individuals that had hearing loss. The peopled that did not utilize hearing devices were 50% more likely to suffer from sadness or depression compared to those who did wear them. It was also found that people who wear hearing aids were more likely to participate in social activities on a regular basis. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, people on an average wait 6 years from the first signs of hearing loss before seeking treatment.