Latest Findings and Preventive Measures for European Depression Day: Depression, a Widespread Disease
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and one of the most underestimated in terms of its severity. Untreated hearing loss can also be a contributing factor.
At a Glance
- Causes and Risk Factors for Depression
- Typical Symptoms of Depression
- Early October: Depression Awareness Day and Older Adults’ Day
- Untreated Hearing Loss Causes Mental Health Problems
According to data from the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, nearly 20 percent of people will experience depression or a chronic depressive mood (dysthymia) at least once in their lives. In honor of European Depression Day on October 4, an initiative of the European Depression Association (EDA), we are providing information about this second-most-common widespread illness and the link between depression and untreated hearing loss.
Causes and Risk Factors for Depression
It is not yet known exactly how depression develops. Women and people under the age of 70 are particularly at higher risk of developing depression.
The following factors may contribute to the condition:
- a genetically determined increased risk, because the condition has occurred more frequently in family members.
- traumatic experiences,such as abuse or neglect, as well as painful breakups or the death of a loved one.
- Chronic anxiety disordersduring childhood and adolescence, combined with low self-confidence and insecurity.
- Untreated hearing loss: It is often not widely known that depression can result from a decline in hearing ability.
- Biochemical changes: It has been found that in depression, brain metabolism is altered and nerve impulses are transmitted more slowly. Certain neurotransmitters and hormonal changes may also play a role.
- Physical illnessessuch as a stroke, a heart attack, cancer, or hypothyroidism.
- Stressful life circumstances: for example, prolonged stress, feeling overwhelmed, or loneliness.
- Lack of light: Some people react to the lack of daylight during the dark fall and winter months by becoming depressed.
Hearing loss can lead to depression
For people with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids, it is difficult to communicate with others. In family situations, social settings, or at work, untreated hearing loss often leads to stress and fatigue, and subsequently to social withdrawal and isolation. These, in turn, increasingly lead to depression. A study by the U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders demonstrates a strong link between hearing loss and depression.
According to the respondents’ self-assessments, only 4.9 percent of those with excellent hearing, 7.9 percent of those with good hearing, but 11.4 percent of those with moderate to severe hearing loss suffered from depression. In general, the prevalence of depression increased with the degree of hearing loss, with the exception of people who are deaf.
Researchers and doctors recommend taking prompt action if hearing loss is suspected and advise all affected individuals to consult an ENT specialist and undergo a hearing test. An initial, quick screening can also be done through an online hearing test.
Typical Characteristics of Depression
A distinction is made between primary and secondary symptoms.
Primary symptoms include:
- depressed mood, sadness, despondency
- Lack of interest and inability to feel joy
- Lack of energy and rapid fatigue, often even after minimal exertion
Other symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Low self-esteem, feelings of guilt
- Negative and pessimistic thoughts about the future
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Don't Leave People with Depression to Their Fate
Depression is generally viewed by the general public primarily as a psychological reaction to adverse life circumstances rather than as a medical condition that can affect anyone and for which those affected need medical help. Many people also mistakenly believe that a weak character is a cause. Eating chocolate and going on vacation are only of limited help in combating depression. Many people become so severely depressed that they no longer have the strength to seek help on their own.
In such cases, it is very important for family members to offer their support. Together with the patient, consult a doctor who can conduct a thorough examination and also check for various physical causes, such as untreated hearing loss. For people at increased risk of recurrent depression, long-term preventive medication may be considered to help avoid relapses. For others, extended outpatient psychotherapy can be helpful.
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Hearing Loss Causes Mental Health Problems
For people with normal hearing, it is often difficult to understand just how much life changes for people with hearing loss. These psychological problems can result from untreated hearing loss:
- Startle response, nervousness:Those affected no longer hear important environmental cues, such as approaching footsteps. They are startled when someone suddenly speaks to them loudly and are constantly on edge.
- Anxieties:People with hearing loss consciously avoid situations where it becomes apparent that they have trouble hearing—out of fear of embarrassing themselves or appearing mentally unfit. As a result, they avoid gatherings with large groups and become increasingly isolated.
- Impaired emotional and social relationships:Simply hearing the words someone says is not enough for a good conversation. This is because tone of voice conveys a wide range of nuances, from sarcasm to compassion. Those who do not hear these nuances find it more difficult to maintain relationships.
- Distrust: People with hearing loss often become increasingly distrustful. They can’t follow what’s being said and think that people are talking about them and laughing at them.
- Depression: All these challenges faced by people with hearing loss can lead to depression. Loneliness, anxiety, and failed social relationships trigger an existential crisis from which those affected cannot escape without help.
To prevent this downward spiral, family members and those affected must intervene early and accompany the person to see an ENT doctor or hearing aid specialist.
Older Adults' Day on October 1
Older Persons’ Day takes place almost at the same time as Depression Awareness Day. As early as 1990, the United Nations declared October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. The goal is to draw attention to the opportunities and challenges of an aging society. While life expectancy is rising and the number of older people is growing, the number of younger people is declining. According to population projections by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the working-age population in Germany will shrink by about four to six million to between 45.8 and 47.4 million by the year 2035.
To ensure that people can enjoy the highest possible quality of life as they age, specific measures for prevention and improved care are essential. A key component of aging well is good hearing, which enables people to communicate and remain socially active and well-connected. Modern hearing aids can compensate for a wide variety of types and causes of hearing loss and enable a life full of sound.
Read more here about the common health consequences of hearing loss and how the resulting limitations on quality of life can be avoided.
