When Silence Feels Heavy: Hearing Loss and Depression in Elders.
Have you ever thought of a state when conversations become muted, laughters wane, and meeting ups and gatherings tire you up?. What often goes unnoticed is how lonely life feels when silence quietly creeps in. That is what old age has in store for most of us, my friend; only if you don’t tend to it early on. weigh on the heart.
I came across a new PLOS ONE study published in January 2025, which detailed how depression affects the elderly with Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) much more than those with less hearing impairment.. Over 25,000 older adults were included in this study, which showed that seniors who struggled with hearing problems also suffered from loneliness, fatigue, and sadness.
Among the participants, women seemed more vulnerable. The study suggests that as hearing gets muffled, social connection suffers, and that quiet isolation slowly and obviously turns into emotional pain.
And do you know? ARHL, or presbycusis, is one of the most common health issues in older adults, right after heart disease and arthritis. Yet, we often dismiss it as “just aging.” But in truth, it eats away at your confidence, joy, and independence.
Experts suggest early hearing check-ups, emotional support from loved ones, and timely treatment can ease it out to a great extent.. Because treating hearing loss isn’t only about fetching the sound back, but it’s more about bringing back those lively connections and all the laughter back into one’s life. What do you think in this regard? Would love to know!
MBH/PS