Research studies have found that individuals with untreated hearing loss in all age groups may be at risk for social withdrawal and depression. Use the following depression self-screener if you or someone you care for is experiencing mental health problems as a result of hearing loss.
| Over the past 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? | Not At All | Several Days | More Than Half the Days | Nearly everyday |
| 1. Little interest or pleasure doing things | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2. Feeling down, depressed or hopeless | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 3. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping to much | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4. Feeling tired or having little energy | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 5. Poor appetite or overeating | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 6. Feeling bad about yourself (e.g. that you’re a failure or have let yourself or your family down) | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 7.Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite, being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself in some way | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Column totals + +
Add totals together =
If you checked off any problems, how difficult have those problems made it for you to work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?
[] Not difficult [] Somewhat difficult [] Very difficult [] Extremely difficult
Score: Provisional diagnosis
1-9 Minimal symptoms
10-14 Minor depression
15-19 Major depression, moderately severe
20< Major depression, severe
Please note, this is simply a screening tool. The responses to the above questions may indicate the presence of depression; however, only a qualified health professional can diagnose and treat depression. This tool should not be used in place of a consultation with a health professional. Please contact our office at (818) 859-7730 for a list of experienced mental health professionals in the greater Los Angeles area.
If you are having a mental health emergency, please call 911 immediately.
