Hearing loss increases the risk of depression in the elderly

CAIRE –

US researchers report that older people with aging-related hearing loss are at greater risk for depression.

Researchers at Columbia University in the United States found that older people with mild hearing loss were more likely to have statistically significant symptoms than those with normal hearing problems. People with severe hearing loss up to four times were more likely to develop depressive symptoms. "People with hearing loss have communication problems and tend to become more socially isolated and can lead to social isolation leading to depression.The findings suggest that treatment of age-related hearing loss, which is not recognized by the elderly, may be a way to avoid late depression, said Dr. Justin S. Golub, an assistant professor at Columbia University.