Hearing loss and depression: What is the connection?

Hearing is one of our most vital senses, allowing us to communicate, connect, and engage with the world around us. However, when hearing loss occurs, it can lead to more than just an inability to perceive sound—it can significantly impact mental health, particularly increasing the risk of depression. So, what exactly is the connection between hearing loss and depression? Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy for individuals to underestimate its emotional impact. Many people experience frustration and isolation when struggling to follow conversations or respond appropriately in social settings. Over time, this withdrawal from social interactions can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and, ultimately, depression. This is especially true for individuals experiencing sensorineural hearing loss, which affects the inner ear or auditory nerve and requires specialised sensorineural hearing loss treatment to manage the condition. One of the major consequen...