Treating hearing loss makes effective communication more possible, but that isn’t its only benefit. Some research suggests it could also impact your balance.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies and over 5 million participants found a possible connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls. These findings highlight the broader impact of hearing health on your overall well-being.
A Strong Link Between Hearing Loss and Falls
The review found that people with hearing loss had a 51% greater risk of falling compared to those with normal hearing.
The results didn’t change based on how the researchers measured hearing loss, how long they tracked participants or whether they accounted for other sensory conditions that could increase the risk of falls independently (vision problems, etc.). Because the results held constant between the studies, it’s crucial to consider the possibility of an increased fall risk when treating patients with hearing loss.
Why Might Hearing Loss Lead to Falls?
An earlier 2013 study detailed a few possible reasons for the increased fall risk:
- There could be an associated dysfunction of the cochlear (hearing) and vestibular (balance) organs in the inner ear because they sit so close together
- Decreased hearing sensitivity may limit your access to the auditory cues that provide background awareness
- The increased mental load of trying to navigate the world with hearing loss may not leave enough space to focus on balance
Is Hearing Treatment the Answer?
Hearing aids provide access to auditory cues to improve background awareness and decrease the mental effort it takes to navigate the world, but we need more clinical trials to fully understand the role they play in fall prevention.
Still, the evidence is strong enough to suggest that hearing checkups are as important as vision screenings or balance assessments for aging adults.
Take Steps Toward Prevention
The increased risk of falls is just one of the many reasons it’s crucial to protect your hearing, schedule regular hearing tests and seek treatment as early as possible.
Don’t wait to take charge of your hearing journey. Call the experts at Midwest Hearing today to schedule an evaluation.