There are many exciting aspects of aging, from watching your family grow to exploring new hobbies to enjoying retirement. But as we age, we’re more at risk for hearing loss. And unfortunately, the impacts of hearing loss, especially if left untreated, can cause social isolation, resulting in depression in some cases.
We use our hearing to communicate with loved ones, listen to music, enjoy television and theatre, and commune with nature. When we notice changes to our hearing, even subtle ones, we might worry.
According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology, individuals with hearing loss were significantly linked to depression. Twice as many participants showed depression symptoms as those in the control group.
The study also found that people who experienced both hearing and vision loss (also referred to as dual sensory loss) were three times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
The cause and effect of hearing loss and mental health remain unclear; whether social isolation leads to depression or the brain’s chemical changes that lead to a desire to isolate. Most likely, a cyclical combination of both scenarios compounds the effect.
If this sounds familiar to you, it’s time to invest in hearing loss treatments. Studies show that hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing abilities, mitigating the depression symptoms that can creep in.
A 2016 study in JAMA’s Otolaryngology Head-Neck Surgery journal found that participants who committed to hearing loss treatments, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, saw an improvement in depression symptoms within approximately six months.
With the right help, finding and adjusting to hearing aids can be relatively easy. Once again, you’ll be able to enjoy the laughter of friends, favorite pop tunes, birds chirping. Whether you’ve already started looking for hearing solutions or you’re scared to take the step, rest assured that the right team can drastically change your life.
(Stay tuned to next month’s blog with tips for adjusting to your new hearing aids.)
Yes, there is a strong correlation between depression and anxiety and those living with chronic tinnitus. This ringing in the ears can disrupt daily life activities, affecting overall mental health.
A 2015 Italian study found that depression and anxiety symptoms were common among those with chronic tinnitus. Out of 80 participants, 45% experienced anxiety symptoms, while 26.3% showed depressive symptoms. The findings were published in 2015 in the International Tinnitus Journal under the title “Relationship between Tinnitus Perception and Psychiatric Discomfort.”
If you’re dealing with chronic tinnitus, visit an audiologist for assistance. While there’s no definite cure, we offer treatment options to help lessen effects and even retrain your brain to deal with tinnitus differently.
If you think you, or a loved one, is suffering from depression related to hearing, visit us at SoundGate Hearing. As a local audiology clinic, we treat each appointment with care, expertise, and professionalism. Our goal is to address any hearing issues and guide you through this journey.
Until next time,
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.