A recent study by a group of researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that progressive loss of hearing showed a clear correlation with increased risk of depression. The study also found that the risk of depression in those suffering from hearing loss was greater for those less than 70 years old and that women were at greater risk than men.
Although many hearing experts, psychiatrists, and caregivers have long believed that a diminished sense of hearing leads to depression, support of this concept has largely been anecdotal. This study adds scientifically sound data to the argument. "It is not surprising to me that they would be more likely to be depressed," said James Firman, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging. "People with hearing loss, especially those who don't use hearing aids, find it more difficult to communicate with other people, whether in family situations, social gatherings or at work."
The study supports the idea that the ability to hear well is not simply an end in and of itself. It is also an important means of improving your communication skills, boosting your social and professional confidence, and promoting overall mental and physical well-being. Of course readers of The 15 Minute Fix: SENSES know that I believe this to be case with all of the senses. Taking care of your senses of smell, taste, touch, and sight (covered in VISION) is a vital part of managing your overall health. A few minutes a day exercising your senses, along with a few common sense lifestyle adjustments (turn down the volume, etc.), will go a long way toward keeping your mind, body, and soul healthy for the long run.
Age well my friends,
Although many hearing experts, psychiatrists, and caregivers have long believed that a diminished sense of hearing leads to depression, support of this concept has largely been anecdotal. This study adds scientifically sound data to the argument. "It is not surprising to me that they would be more likely to be depressed," said James Firman, president and CEO of the National Council on Aging. "People with hearing loss, especially those who don't use hearing aids, find it more difficult to communicate with other people, whether in family situations, social gatherings or at work."
The study supports the idea that the ability to hear well is not simply an end in and of itself. It is also an important means of improving your communication skills, boosting your social and professional confidence, and promoting overall mental and physical well-being. Of course readers of The 15 Minute Fix: SENSES know that I believe this to be case with all of the senses. Taking care of your senses of smell, taste, touch, and sight (covered in VISION) is a vital part of managing your overall health. A few minutes a day exercising your senses, along with a few common sense lifestyle adjustments (turn down the volume, etc.), will go a long way toward keeping your mind, body, and soul healthy for the long run.
Age well my friends,
