Hearing Loss and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A Connection
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is characterized by symptoms that occur during a certain season of the year, in this case, the winter season. Most often, this occurs during winter or other months that experience lower levels of light compared to other seasons. In most individuals, especially those with diminished mental health and wellbeing, SAD has to be a consideration. While many individuals consider the impact of SAD on mood, there is a related but less discussed relationship between it and hearing loss. The more one understands the connection between the two, the better individuals will be at managing symptoms and improving their quality of life.
Understanding SAD
The signs related to SAD are fatigue, distraction, mood swings, and social isolation. Such symptoms usually manifest themselves from autumn through winter and cause a feeling of tiredness and possibly mood swings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, those at highest risk include women, young people, and people who live far from the equator, where daylight hours are shorter. The lack of sunlight disrupts one's biological clock and leads to depression.
Hearing Loss and SAD
The association of SAD with hearing loss may not be so apparent, yet research indicates that it could make worse an already impaired situation.
One study found that social isolation due to hearing loss can heighten feelings of loneliness during the darker months when SAD is more pervasive. This overlap can lead to a cycle of withdrawal and decreased life satisfaction. Hearing loss makes communication difficult, which in turn can be frustrating and may lead to social avoidance-promoting SAD symptoms.
Overlapping Occurrences and Symptoms
Both SAD and hearing loss may cause social withdrawal and concentration issues. Since such symptoms may overlap, there is, at times, a chance of misdiagnosis or underestimation regarding the seriousness of the condition. For instance, a person may experience significant discomfort in social situations due to Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Still, they may not be aware of the extent of additional unwarranted symptoms that could be caused by hearing loss. It is important to identify overlapping symptoms of a disorder for proper management and treatment.
Coping Strategies
Light therapy: Being around bright light can help people with SAD feel better. You might want to use a light therapy box every morning for twenty to thirty minutes.
Hearing Aids: Using hearing aids can help you communicate better and feel less alone, which can make going out with other people more fun.
Building and maintaining relationships with family and friends can help fight the effects of both diseases. It can also be helpful to do things with others or join clubs.
Professional Help: You might want to go to therapy or counseling and join a support group to discuss your problems and get help. A good number of people who deal with SAD in the past and now have found cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) helpful.
Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Early precautions or intervention can prevent further health complications, both due to SAD and hearing loss. When the symptoms tend to be chronic, one should consult healthcare professionals. Healthy audiologists and mental health specialists give personalized tips that help improve the quality of life. A checkup or screening on time can lead to early identification and management of it.
Contact Us for Hearing Needs Today!
The more one knows about the link between SAD and hearing loss, the easier it becomes to manage the two conditions, thereby enhancing a much better quality of life. If you experience these symptoms, please do not wait to check on yourself. Beltone Dallas Fort Worth is here for your hearing needs, and we want to help you improve your hearing wellbeing. Visit us today and find out how we might be able to help you achieve a better quality of life.
