Research shows that people with hearing loss are more likely to experience a fall than peers with normal hearing—and it all ties back to the health of the vestibular system. The vestibular system, which starts in the inner ear, is responsible for providing the brain with information that allows us to keep our balance.
One study found that people with mild hearing loss have triple the risk of a dangerous fall. Researchers hypothesize there are two reasons for this: one is that people who can’t hear well may not have good environmental awareness; the other is that hearing loss may overwhelm cognitive resources, leaving less brainpower to help maintain balance.
Another study analyzed data from nearly 115,000 seniors who had newly diagnosed hearing loss but were otherwise healthy. They found that 13% of those with hearing loss had an injury within the previous three years compared to just 7.5% of the general population in the same age range. Fortunately, the same study also found that the use of hearing aids reduced the relative risk of experiencing and being diagnosed with a dangerous fall, in addition to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression and anxiety.
Vestibular problems greatly affect an individual’s quality of life.
- 90 million Americans visit their health care provider for vertigo, dizziness or balance problems.
- 33% of adults with chronic imbalance have problems performing basic living tasks.
- 2/3 of children with acquired hearing loss have vestibular deficits.
With Balance Awareness Week around the corner (September 18–24), our experienced team is here to help you stay on top of your hearing and balance health. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services, licensed audiologists, a neuro-ophthalmologist, a physical therapist, cutting-edge hearing technology and vestibular testing. Our comprehensive care works—a recent study revealed that 91% of patients treated by Dr. Sanders, our neuro-ophthalmologist, experienced a cure or significant improvement in their dizziness, vertigo and balance symptoms.
For more information about the link between hearing loss and balance problems or to schedule an appointment, contact Indiana Hearing Specialists today at (765) 588-1231 to see how our trusted hearing health care providers can help you. We offer thorough audiological testing and counseling for total patient satisfaction.
[1] Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2013). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of Internal Medicine 172(4), 369-371.
[1] Mahmoudi, E., et al. (2019). Can hearing aids delay time to diagnosis of dementia, depression, or falls in older adults? Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 67(11), 2362-2369.
[1] Paparella, M. M. (2008). Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and other Vestibular Symptoms in Ménière Disease. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, 87(10), 562–562. https://doi.org/10.1177/014556130808701006
[1] VEDA. (2013). Balance Awareness Week to Defeat Dizziness: Facts, Figures & Trivia. https://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/BAW%2013%20Vestibular%20Facts_0.pdf
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (1995). National strategic plan: Balance and balance disorders (NIH Pub. No. 96-3217). Bethesda, MD.