Scoping Literature Review: Untreated Hearing Loss Associations With Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Social Isolation, Poorer Quality of Life, and the Impact of Hearing Aids for Working-Age Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to examine the negative effects of untreated hearing loss on mental health, specifically focusing on anxiety, depression, social isolation, and quality of life for working-age adults. A review of ten research studies revealed that untreated hearing loss, especially more severe, has a significant detrimental impact on mental health. In this paper, working-age adults were of primary focus, and it was found across the reviewed research studies that hearing loss not only caused mental health issues but also decreased ability to work and increased sick leave time, therefore reducing productivity and quality of life. On a positive note, many of the studies reviewed found that appropriate amplification, audiologic rehabilitation, and professional and familial support significantly reduced the impact of hearing loss on mental health and increased people’s productivity and quality of life. It is clear that treating hearing loss has a meaningful impact on working-age adult’s lives and ultimately, society as a whole.