Deafness and hearing loss toolkit
Guidance for GPs on the care of patients dealing with deafness and hearing loss.
Psychosocial Effects of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can have a major impact on daily functioning and quality of life of a person. It can affect communication, their occupation, social interactions leading to loneliness and affect their families. Research shows that hearing loss doubles the risk of developing depression and increases the risk of anxiety and other mental health issues, while many sufferers remain undiagnosed or untreated. It also suggests that the use of hearing aids reduces these risks and is cost effective. GPs should routinely screen for depression during consultations of patients with hearing loss.
Research around the experience of people with hearing loss and employment found that: 68% of people with hearing loss felt isolated at work because of their hearing loss and 41% had retired early due to the impact of their hearing loss and struggles with communication at work.1