Age-Related hearing Loss and Mental Health
Mary is 67 and she came in to discuss her fear that her 69-year-old husband had something terribly wrong with his behaviour.
She noted that he was experiencing depression, irritability, isolation, confusion, anxiety and, at times, what appeared to be unprovoked rage. He would interrupt people and exhibited what appeared to be extreme self-centeredness. At times he seemed paranoid, wondering if people were talking about him. His self-esteem had plummeted and he appeared awkward when socializing. These were not behaviours that had been prevalent years prior.
She confirmed that when she would ask him questions, she would receive odd responses that had nothing to do with the questions she had asked. If he was asked to do something he would respond with an affirmative response, but not follow through.
he also at times would lose his balance, thus avoiding physical activities that he once enjoyed.
He insisted nothing was wrong with him and refused to go to the doctor. The arguments between the two of them were escalating.
What I have noticed over the years, when I hear this complaint, is that there is a strong likelihood that this described behaviour may have to do with hearing loss.
I have now had the opportunity to refer numerous clients back to their family physician who have referred their patient to an Audiologist or ENT specialist to have their hearing checked. I have been fortunate to receive feedback that in fact, it was the hearing loss that had impacted so many areas of their life.
The point to be taken here is the importance of not ruling out a physiological reason for the changes in behaviour.
The National Institute on aging has noted that 1/3 of individuals between the ages of 65-74 suffer from hearing loss. While this may be expected, people affected do not often recognize that it is their hearing loss that is impacting their mood and relationships.
When you lose some or all of your hearing, the part of your brain that stays active when processing sounds can start to atrophy or deteriorate. This in turn can cause cognitive decline.
It is paramount to ensure that hearing loss is not overlooked as a possibility for the noted changes in a loved one’s behaviour or activities.
Early action is a necessity, since when hearing loss is left untreated it can worsen the described behaviours listed above.
The following are strategies to address:
- Visit a health care professional who may be able to diagnose your condition or they can refer you to another professional who can evaluate your situation and help you explore your options.
- Surround yourself with knowledge and support. Ex: Canadian Hearing Services
- The Journal of the American Medical Association (2020) found that the use of hearing aids greastly reduced the risk of psychological distress form hearing loss.
Hearing loss does not have to define you or prevent you from a full and happy life. With the understanding of the factors behind some of the changes you have experienced as a result of hearing loss can come the compassion for yourself in recognizing the difficulties you have faced. Not only that, but it can assist your loved ones to develop compassion for the struggles you have experienced.
Maureen offers an environment in which rapport, safety, empathy and trust are instilled to assist her clients in addressing their personal life challenges.Her areas of interest include depression, anxiety, and communication breakdown, assertiveness skills, self-esteem, personal growth, family of origin issues, emotional dysregulation and the development of emotional awareness. She has a special interest in assisting individuals who are highly sensitive and introverted. She also works with individuals who have personally struggled with their own, or a loved one's behaviour, involving Narcissistic traits.Maureen's therapeutic approach is eclectic and dependent on the clients situation and goals. Techniques may include Cognitive Behavioural, Emotionally Focused, Systems and Adlerian therapy.Prior to obtaining her B.A. from SFU in Psychology and Criminology, and Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Maureen was a research assistant with the U.B.C. Mood Disorders Clinic and a volunteer with the RCMP Victim Services.Maureen is married with 3 adult children and 3 grand children.Maureen is also a member of the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy AssociationMaureen sees clients 19 yrs of age and older.Registered with the following Funders:Pacific Blue Cross Telus Health Provider Network
