As we grow older, falls become one of the most serious health risks, often resulting in injury and loss of independence. Interestingly, research shows that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience falls than their peers with normal hearing, and audiologists are in a unique position to get involved.
How Is Hearing Loss Linked to Falls?
There are a few ways in which hearing loss can affect fall risk in older adults. Some of these include:
- Sensory vulnerabilities. The inner ear houses both hearing and balance mechanisms, meaning conditions affecting one often affect the other, potentially compromising both hearing and control over balance.
- Decreased environmental awareness. Sounds help us detect hazards, like a pet moving at our feet or uneven ground. Hearing loss limits our ability to pick up such cues, increasing the likelihood of tripping or mis-stepping.
- Extra cognitive strain. When hearing is impaired, the brain uses more mental energy to understand speech and surroundings. This added load can detract from tasks like balance control, making falls more likely.
- Decreased social and physical activity. Hearing challenges often lead to social withdrawal, depression and reduced physical activity. Over time, this contributes to muscle weakness and poor balance—further elevating fall risk.
What Is the Audiologist’s Role in Fall Prevention?
Staying on top of your hearing health will mitigate, to a degree, all of the risk factors listed above. Your audiologist can help with that, especially by:
- Proactively treating hearing loss. Hearing loss is a risk factor for falls, but it’s a risk factor that we can manage. Hearing aids and assistive devices improve hearing and spatial awareness. They also reduce cognitive burden and encourage social and physical activity.
- Raising awareness during visits. Many people don’t associate hearing loss with fall risk. Audiologists can provide the education that helps bridge that gap and empowers better health choices.
- Screening for balance and fall risk. Basic balance checks can be integrated easily into appointments. These early interventions help identify if a patient needs further evaluation or referral.
- Collaborating and making referrals. If a patient shows elevated risk, an audiologist can make a referral to physical therapists, primary care providers, vestibular specialists or pharmacists for medication reviews.
If you’re experiencing hearing loss or are worried about potential effects on your balance, contact North Alabama ENT Associates for an appointment or to learn more.