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Social Engagement and Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is linked to depression, anxiety and much more

Recent large-scale studies reveal powerful connections between hearing loss and other health conditions

One recent study with over 12 years of follow-up across a sample size of more than 25,000 people1 investigated the relationship between the prevalence of hearing loss and the incidence of depression. The results revealed conclusive evidence of a direct link between hearing loss and depression, and even further suggested a possible causal relationship between the two.1

People with hearing loss have 46% higher overall healthcare costs2

That is just one of the key statistics that Lena Kauffman discussed in this recent white paper, Social Engagement and Hearing Loss, sponsored by Hamilton® CapTel®. Her work shows the connections between hearing loss and psychological health conditions including social isolation, anxiety and depression.

Hearing healthcare professionals are in a unique position to help

This data presents hearing healthcare professionals with an opportunity to deepen their relationships with their patients and work in concert with other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible health outcomes.

  1. Wei-Ting Hsu, MD, Chih-Chao Hsu, MD, “Increased risk of depression in patients with acquired sensory hearing loss,” Medicine magazine, Nov. 2016 (https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2016/11010/Increased_risk_of_depression_in_patients_with.76.aspx)
  2. Nicholas S. Reed, AuD et al., “Trends in Health Care Costs and Utilization Associated With Untreated Hearing Loss Over 10 Years” JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Jan. 2019 (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2714049)

FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. Automatic speech recognition software generates captions of what the other party to the call says, and, in certain circumstances, a live communications assistant may be included on the call to make needed corrections and/or add call details. The captions are then sent to the phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires high-speed internet access (Wi-Fi capable) and in some cases, may require telephone service. When using Hamilton CapTel on a smartphone or tablet and not on Wi-Fi, a data plan is required. Hamilton CapTel may be used to make 911 calls but may not function the same as traditional 911 services. For more information about the benefits and limitations of Hamilton CapTel and Emergency 911 calling, visit HamiltonCapTel.com/911. Courtesy of Cisco Systems, Inc. Unauthorized use not permitted. “Noah” is a registered trademark of HIMSA II K/S in the USA. Outside the USA, “Noah” is a trademark of HIMSA II K/S. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. Copyright ©2024 Hamilton Relay. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a/ Hamilton Telecommunications.