The Anxiety & Depression Association of America says that about 3.1% of the U.S. population has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD experience a persistent and excessive worry about certain things in their lives, like work, money and relationships. If you have GAD, it can be difficult to break free from the worry cycle.
The cause of anxiety isn’t always easy to pin down, but some contributors could include a history of trauma, stress buildup, genetics, drug or alcohol use, personality or stress due to illness. That last risk factor, stress due to illness, may explain why many people with hearing loss struggle with anxiety, either about the condition itself, its side effects or how it impacts their ability to interact with others.
The Statistics
There have been several studies about hearing loss as a risk factor for anxiety. One 2018 review of more than 25 studies involving 17,135 individuals with hearing loss found that anxiety was more prevalent among those with hearing loss than among those without it in 80% of the studies analyzed. The review further concluded that the studies suggested that mental health should be taken into consideration in hearing loss diagnosis and treatment.
A second study from 2020 examined the link between hearing loss and psychological distress (anxiety, depression, etc.). Including 25,665 adults, the study found that self-reported hearing loss was associated with greater psychological distress and increased use of antidepressant and antianxiety medications and mental health services. The study concluded that we need more research to determine whether preventing or managing hearing loss could reduce the likelihood of psychological distress.
Why Does Hearing Loss Lead to Anxiety?
Anxiety is a personal condition, and the things that trigger it differ from person to person. A few possible triggers include:
- Worries about the condition itself. Some worry about the hearing loss itself, including how it will affect your life moving forward, whether it will cause other health issues and how you’ll navigate treatment.
- Tinnitus. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, is a common symptom of hearing loss. Unfortunately, that ringing can put you on edge and further exacerbate anxiety.
- Difficulty socializing. When hearing loss makes it difficult to understand others, social situations can become especially anxiety‑inducing. Over time, people may withdraw from social events, and re‑engaging later can feel even more challenging.
Keeping an eye on your emotional state, especially if your hearing loss came on suddenly, is crucial. Understanding where your anxiety stems from will help you manage it moving forward.
Managing Anxiety
A two-prong approach is best when managing hearing loss-related anxiety:
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids aren’t a treatment for anxiety, but they can relieve some of the social stress of hearing loss by helping you understand speech and participate socially. They’re also an effective tool for managing tinnitus.
- Therapy and medication. Anxiety can have a big impact on your life. If you experience symptoms of anxiety, contact a mental health professional. They may recommend talk therapy, daily exercises, medication or other methods to minimize its impact on your life.
For more information about how hearing loss impacts your life or to schedule a treatment consultation, contact Arizona Hearing Specialists today.