Link Between Hearing Loss and Depression Highlighted by Better Hearing Institute for World Mental Health Day

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 7, 2010

The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) announced today that it is participating in World Mental Health Day on October 10th by educating the public on the link between hearing loss and depression. This year’s World Mental Health Day focuses on the close association of depression with chronic physical illnesses and calls for integrated care. Depression can be a disabling illness that seriously impacts overall health.

“When left untreated, hearing loss often leads to isolation, depression, and other emotional conditions that can affect both mental health and quality of life,” says Sergei Kochkin, PhD, executive director of BHI. “Yet, hearing loss remains one of the most commonly unaddressed health conditions in America today.”

The link between unaddressed hearing loss and depression is compelling. For example, a large-scale study by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that people 50 and older with untreated hearing loss were more likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration, emotional instability and paranoia, and were less likely to participate in organized social activities than those who wore hearing aids. The degree of depression and other emotional or mental health issues also increased with the severity of hearing loss.

A recent survey released by Australian Hearing, part of Australia’s Department of Human Services, found that people who suffer from hearing loss may be at increased risk of developing the debilitating effects of depression. As reported in its 2008 Annual Report, the survey found that 60 per cent of those with hearing loss had displayed some of the symptoms associated with depression. It also found that almost 20 per cent of those with hearing loss demonstrated at least three key symptoms of depression. Specifically, 52 per cent had displayed increased irritability and frustration; 22 per cent had trouble sleeping or experienced restlessness; and 18 per cent showed a loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.

“Hearing loss is not a harmless condition to be ignored or left untreated,” says Kochkin. “It has tremendous impact on your life. And if left unaddressed, it can have serious emotional and social consequences.”

It’s important to understand that in the vast majority of situations, hearing aids can help the individual hear better and thereby alleviate the conditions that may lead to depression when hearing loss is left unaddressed. Studies have shown that hearing aid wearers experience significant improvements in quality of life and decreased depressive symptoms; have significantly higher self-concepts compared to individuals who do not wear hearing aids; and their functional health status improves significantly after three months of hearing aid use.

In fact, the NCOA study found that those who used hearing aids to address their hearing loss had a reduction in depression and depressive symptoms; improved interpersonal relationships, including greater intimacy; experienced less anger and frustration; enhanced emotional stability; decreased paranoid feelings; reduced anxiety symptoms; reduced social phobias; greater belief that they were in control of their lives; reduced self-criticism; improved cognitive functioning; improved health status; reduced incidence of pain; and enhanced group social activity.

Today, there are more than 34 million people in the United States with hearing loss—roughly 11 percent of the U.S. population. And over the last generation, hearing loss has increased at a rate of 160 percent of U.S. population growth.

“More Americans than ever before are suffering with hearing loss,” says Kochkin. “That means greater numbers are leaving their hearing loss unaddressed—simply because they don’t understand how significantly it affects their quality of life and mental health.

“Unaddressed hearing loss has become an entrenched public health issue that is closely linked to depression, especially in older individuals. World Mental Health Day is an extremely important acknowledgement of the inter-relatedness of physical and mental health. We need our healthcare gatekeepers to recognize the importance of addressing both in an integrated healthcare setting.”

The World Federation for Mental Health established World Mental Health Day in 1992 to provide an annual opportunity for public education about current issues and improving well being. It is the only annual global awareness campaign to focus attention on specific aspects of mental health and mental disorders.

The World Federation for Mental Health encourages local, national and regional authorities and organizations to observe World Mental Health Day on October 10th with events and programs that focus on “Mental Health and Chronic Illness: The Need for Continued and Integrated Care.” Campaign materials prepared by the World Federation are available for download on its website (http://www.wfmh.org).

Founded in 1973, the BHI conducts research and engages in hearing health education with the goal of helping people with hearing loss to benefit from proper treatment.

http://www.betterhearing.org/

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Question by : Could I Have MS (Multiple Sclerosis?) At 15? Or is this just anxiety?)?
I’ve had slight, slight pressure on my head. But it’s usually when I’m stressed out by my health. My neck twitches sometimes. But it usually only when I’ve been laying in a weird way or sitting up without neck support. My vision has been affected the most. I’m nearsighted (Have been since I was 11. I’m 15 now.) but lately I’ve been seeing floaters. My primary doctor old me that it’s normal for nearsighted people. I had pressure behind one eye but as soon as I changed the way slept it went away. Also, I’ve been seeing small pinpoint sized lights. I also been having dry eyes but it could be eye strain. I’m on my ipod 24/7. I had my eyes dialated a year ago and I had a normal eye exam in 6 months ago. Everything was ok both visits. I’ve had random pain in my arms. But I haven’t had that in awhile. Lastly, my right foot seems to lean to the side and at times I lose balance because of it at times. Could I have MS? Or could I just have hypochondria? (I fear of having a serious illness ever since I had a panic attack and mono. The fear leads me to the internet and I find diseases that seem to relate to my “symptoms” I’ve become really obsessed with my health and well-being lately.) I plan on having my mother set up an appointment soon just to have a check-up) I honestly think I have an anxiety disorder. But I’m bot sure. Am I sick? Or is this all just in my screwed up 15 year old head?

Best answer:

Answer by SethSpeaks
Nothing at all you have listed sounds like MS. You have anxiety.

What do you think? Answer below!

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After 6 Months of Needed Rest, Folk Artist and Suicide Prevention Advocate, Heather McCready, Will Perform Again – Just in Time for Mental Health Month this May.

Heather McCready has a love of nature and photography. This is one of her own pictures.

Winnsboro, Texas (PRWEB) April 18, 2012

Heather McCready’s sweet voice, peaceful music and message of hope as a suicide prevention advocate fell quiet after the creative folk singer/songwriter began to feel unwell just before her Christmas CD was released last year. In addition to ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder, depression anxiety, Heather McCready also suffers from Fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disorder causing her to suffer symptoms that have proven to be a real challenge for the singer such as bouts of throat swelling, asthma, anemia and severe problems with memory. In fact, her illness forced her to cancel her performances and take six months to rest and work closely with doctors to help her recover. Now, Heather McCready is feeling stronger and ready to get back on the stage and do what she loves to do most, sing her uniquely peaceful brand of folk music and spread her message of hope to others. And what better place for her to return to the stage than a concert that benefits causes near and dear to her heart? Heather will be performing alongside her producer/ arranger,Milo Deering, a well known virtuoso and highly sought-after studio musician who has played on literally hundreds of CD’s. Milo’s gifted hand can be heard on many singer’s and songwriter’s albums, most notably Lee Ann Rimes, Jack Ingram, Steve Holy, Trout Fishing in America and Slim Whitman. Milo has appeared as a member of Blue Country (Ms. Rimes band) on The Tonight Show, The Today Show, The Grammy Awards, David Letterman, The Billboard Music Awards, Nashville Now, The TNN Awards and The View. Most recently Milo was in the popular bluegrass band, Bealtegras, and has been playing with Heather McCready.

The Wildernest Treehouse MusicFest benefit is on May 4-May 6. 2012. Proceeds will benefit the continuation of musical arts at Crossroads Music Company and Listening Room as well as Mental Health America of Greater Tarrant County, where Heather McCready serves on the board. The weekend will be packed with all genres of bands dedicating their time and talents for music lovers are coming from miles away to enjoy. The location is set on a newly renovated, very cool stage in the trees in a Quitman Texas countryside location. A $ 25 ticket will buy the whole weekend of music! In addition, every performer has donated a song for a compilation CD to further benefit the causes.

For more information stay tuned to http://www.wildernestmusicfest.com and http://www.HeatherMcCready.com t will be held in Quitman, Texas May 4-6,2012. Space is limited! So hurry and get your tickets! Heather and Milo perform on Saturday evening, May 5th.

Heather McCready and Milo Deering have co-produced, arranged and written together on four CD’s together to date. Now they are working on the fifth. Recently one song, “Sunshiny Day” received the high honor of being a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition.

All of Heather Music is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com.

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Question by : Could my health problems be related to “hyperthyroidism?”?
I’ve been having some health issues over the past couple years, including inability to keep weight on, indigestion, tiredness depression/anxiety, and most recently, hair thinning/loss. I looked on webMD and it sounded like hyperthyroidism had most of the symptoms I am experiencing. Could my health issues be related to this?

“Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Excess thyroid hormone can cause symptoms such as tiredness, weight loss, increased heart rate, heat intolerance, sweating, irritability, anxiety.”

Best answer:

Answer by formerly_bob
Maybe you are on to something. Its easy to figure out with a blood test panel, and without a blood test there’s no way to know.

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Entertainment Industries Council Conducts Creative Community Briefing in L.A. following success of Picture This: Veteran Mental Health Challenges forum in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) January 31, 2012

The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc.(EIC), in collaboration with and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), hosted Veteran Mental Health Challenges for Storytellers: A First Draft Briefing at the headquarters of the Writers Guild of America West, Inc.

Through this event, EIC and VA gave members of the creative community the opportunity to hear personal, candid Veteran testimonials, compelling expert presentations and creative discussions. The briefing also explored ways to incorporate depictions of Veteran mental health challenges, as well as effective treatment and solutions, into entertainment characters and storylines in an authentic way that serves to provide positive support and encouragement for Veterans, while also enhancing entertainment value, according to EIC President and CEO Brian Dyak.

Entertainment creators in attendance included representatives from NBC Entertainment, Universal Television, Fox Television Studios, ABC Family, DreamWorks Television, Fox Broadcasting, DGA, WGA, “Damages,” “Boss,” “Rizzoli and Isles,” “CSI: Miami,” “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Finder,” “Army Wives,” “Castle,” and “Days of Our Lives.”

Featured panelists were Mike Dolphin , who served as a sergeant and military police officer in the Marine Corps in Iraq; Don Mackey, who served as an avionics technician and aviation gunner for the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam; Nicole Ramirez , who served as an active duty combat medic for the Army in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and is now an Air Force Reservist; Dr. Sonja Batten, Deputy Chief Consultant for Specialty Mental Health in the Dept. of Veterans Affairs; and John Tatarakis, Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Local Recovery Coordinator for the New York Harbor Healthcare System in the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Jon Huertas, Air Force Veteran and “Castle” star, moderated the panel. “As a Veteran it was a true honor to moderate this EIC briefing on Veteran Mental Health Challenges. I feel that it’s important that we, as creators of content, do everything we can to increase awareness about the mental health challenges that some of our returning Veterans and their families may deal with and can overcome,” remarked Huertas. “As an example, my character on “Castle,” Javier Esposito, is an OIF Veteran and this season we felt it was important to have an episode that addressed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is an example of how the entertainment community can contribute to the accurate portrayal of Veterans and their experiences.”

This briefing follows the success of EIC and VA’s recent Picture This: Veteran Mental Health Challenges forum in Washington DC, hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters. The forum laid the groundwork for discussion of how Veterans are portrayed in the entertainment industry and how the creative community can, while entertaining, encourage mental health treatment and support and dispel negative stereotypes through more authentic portrayals. Panelists at the initial Picture This forum included representatives of the Writers Guild of America West, Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild and Producers Guild of America. The outcomes of the DC event have been compiled into a publication set for national release following the Los Angeles briefing.

This collaboration is an important element of VA’s public awareness campaign: Make The Connection (http://www.MakeTheConnection.net): a new and innovative resource for Veterans and their families and friends to connect with mental health information, treatment, and support.

About Entertainment Industries Council (EIC)

A non-profit organization, EIC was founded in 1983 by leaders of the entertainment industry to bring the power of the industry to bear on health and social issues. The organization is considered one of the premiere success stories in entertainment education and information resources for entertainment creators, through innovative and time-proven services and methods of “encouraging the art of making a difference” from within the industry.

EIC addresses health issues such as drug, alcohol, and tobacco use and addiction; firearm safety and injury prevention; sun safety and skin cancer prevention; human trafficking; terrorism and homeland security; mental health and mental illness, including bipolar disorder, depression and suicide; diabetes; seat belt use and traffic safety; and HIV/AIDS prevention. For more information, please visit http://www.eiconline.org.

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VA provides world-class benefits and services to the millions of men and women who have served this country with honor in the military. Benefits and services include: Disability, Education and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Home Loan Guaranty, Dependent and Survivor Benefits, Medical Treatment, Life Insurance and Burial Benefits. In addition, VA operates the nation’s largest integrated health care system with more than 1,400 sites of care, including hospitals, community clinics, community living centers, domiciliary, readjustment counseling centers, and various other facilities. In recent years, research from around the world has dramatically increased the understanding of mental health conditions and how to treat them. Millions of Veterans have received treatment for mental health conditions through VA and found solutions for improving their lives. They have learned what all Veterans should know: treatment works and recovery is possible. For additional information on VA, visit: http://www.va.gov.

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Ageless Men’s Health Testosterone Replacement Clinic Opens in Austin

Austin, TX (PRWEB) November 28, 2011

Ageless Men’s Health, a wellness clinic dedicated to assisting men with low testosterone levels is proud to announce the opening of their latest facility in Austin, Texas.

The facility opened prior to Thanksgiving, and Austin is the fifteenth location for the company. The clinic is located at 13435 U.S. 183, #302, and is east of 183, just south of Anderson Mill Road, approximately 16 miles north of downtown Austin.

Unlike menopause in women, in which the body halts production of estrogen, men experie0nce a gradual loss of sex hormones starting around 30. By the age of 80, about half of men experience symptoms of low testosterone including:

    A drop in sex drive
    Poor erections
    Low sperm count
    Enlarged breasts
    Loss of bone density and muscle mass
    Memory loss
    Mood changes and depression

These symptoms are a good barometer for determining whether a man is a candidate for testosterone therapy. Once symptoms are identified, the next step is for the prospective patient to complete an initial consultation and medical evaluation, including a blood panel.

If a man’s testosterone levels are under the recommended levels, he then can begin testosterone replacement therapy. Therapy involves an injection of testosterone cypionate, an injectable, bio-identical testosterone. Injections are given approximately every 7-10 days depending on each individual’s response to treatment.

Men who live in the Austin area who think they may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy can take a testosterone deficiency quiz at AgelessMensHealth.com. Depending on how a man answers the quiz, they may wish to set up a consultation to learn more about their options.

For more information on the Austin clinic, contact Ageless Men’s Health at (512) 250-5300.

Ageless Men’s Health has been dedicated to assisting men with low testosterone levels since opening our first clinic in 2007. Now with 15 locations in eight metropolitan areas including New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Memphis, and Atlanta, Ageless Men’s Health remains focused on the men’s needs based upon reported symptoms and tested levels during their initial and ongoing evaluations.

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