Combined vision and hearing loss associated with depression, chest anxiety

People with sight and hearing loss are nearly four times more likely to get depressed and more than three times more likely to suffer from breast anxiety, according to a new study published in the journal Boundaries in Psychology and led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

Researchers analyzed a health study of 23,089 adults in Spain and found that people with either vision or hearing loss were more likely to report depression as those no, that risk went up to 3.85 times higher when respondents reported problems with both meanings together.

The study also found that people with sight and hearing loss were 3.38 times more likely than the general population to report breast anxiety.

It is understood this is the first study looking at the risk of depression in people with combined vision and hearing loss.

Problems with sight and hearing affect many aspects of daily life. It can affect the ability to work, interact with others and perform physical activity, all of which are important for emotional well-being. Our study found a much greater risk for mental health issues such as depression and breast anxiety if people suffer from both vision and hearing loss. “

Professor Shahina Pardhan, Lead Author, Director of the Vision and Vision Research Institute, ARU

Co-author Dr Guillermo López-Sánchez said: “These findings highlight the importance of appropriate treatment for loss of consciousness as well as timely intervention for mental health issues. we have shown that health cannot ignore these issues, and authorities need to take steps to ensure that those with loss of consciousness receive the best possible care. “

ARU, along with vision and audio charities, is calling on the Government to support the UK National Health and Hearing Audit, which would provide robust and comprehensive data on the UK’s sensory health needs.