According to The American Psychological Association, a new study has revealed that people who suffer hearing loss are more likely to experience depression and even dementia (as well as other cognitive impairments) over time.

Dr. David Myers, a psychology professor at Hope College, attended a recent annual conference for the American Psychological Association, where he provided information on this study which discusses how hearing loss worsens over time if it goes without treatment. Furthermore, he claimed that people who are hard of hearing have better chances for improvement and social integration if they are given hearing aids as early as possible.

“Many hard of hearing people battle silently with their invisible hearing difficulties, straining to stay connected to the world around them, reluctant to seek help,” Dr. Myers explains. “Anger, frustration, depression and anxiety are all common among people who find themselves hard of hearing.”

According to Dr. Myers, most people who have hearing disabilities actually wait as long as six years after they notice the first symptoms of hearing loss before going to seek medical attention. Often this is because they are simply not sure how to go about seeking assistance. According to the study, more than half of the patients with hearing loss symptoms also suffered from depression.

Myers concluded, “Getting people to use the latest in hearing aid technology can help them regain control of their life and achieve emotional stability and even better cognitive functioning. Making public spaces directly hearing aid accessible is psychologically important for people with hearing loss.”