Being unsteady on your feet in places that did not used to be a challenge for you is sometimes an early indicator of hearing loss and could be the cause of dizziness, vertigo, and/or balance disorders.
I want to share some critical information from a study recently published in The Journal of the American Academy of Audiology by Joseph Sakumura, AuD, and Richard Gans, PhD, which revealed that hearing loss puts you at a greater risk of falling.
Why should you pay attention to this?
According to Balance and Dissiness Canada, 1 in 3 Canadian seniors have a fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. 20% of injury-related deaths in Canada can be traced back to a fall.
If you want to learn how your hearing loss affects your quality of life and independence because of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders, then keep reading.
3 Conditions Lead to an Increased Risk of Falling
The study I mentioned above explores how Cognitive, Vestibular, and Auditory Function relate to Fall Risk Management, and it identifies three conditions that increase your risk of falling:
- Hearing Loss. If you are experiencing hearing loss, you have a 3x higher risk of falling than those with normal hearing.
- Cognitive Impairment. A mild cognitive impairment can produce a 14x higher risk of falling due to a decline in postural stability.
- Vestibular Dysfunction. A 12x greater fall risk can be a consequence of vestibular dysfunction.
Hearing Loss Leads to Cognitive Decline
From the list above it appears that your lowest risk of falling (only 3X the risk) comes from hearing loss. However, hearing loss has a significant impact on cognitive decline, which presents the highest risk of falling.
According to the study, hearing loss is the primary contributor to cognitive decline and “patients with even mild cognitive impairment in domains of; visuo-spatial processing, executive function, memory recall, and reaction times are 14 times more likely to have degraded postural stability and elevated fall risk.”
Hearing loss is the number one ‘modifiable’ risk factor to cognitive decline, which means that by addressing your hearing loss, you also reduce your risk of cognitive decline and your risk of falling.
Vestibular Dysfunction Is Related to Your Ears
The vestibular system contributes 85% of the sensory information required to help you maintain your balance.
Your inner ear is the center of your vestibular system which includes hair-like cells located in the cochlea. Damage to these tiny cells leads due to ongoing exposure to noise or deterioration due to aging, causing permanent sensorineural hearing loss as well as a reduced capacity to deliver the necessary sensory information to keep you steady on your feet.
The other 15% of your vestibular function is related to your vision and your somatosensory system (related to your motor skills), which also tend to lose their edge as you age, further amplifying your risk of falling.
Treating Hearing Loss Is Essential
Since your ears and your hearing are strongly linked to the two conditions that produce the highest risk of falling, treating your hearing loss becomes the most important proactive step toward decreasing your risk of falls.
In addition to the finding of the study by Sakumura and Gans, additional studies have proven how hearing aids help improve both balance and cognitive function. Like a study by the City University of New York (CUNY) in 2021 that showed improved balance and decreased frequency of falls for individuals who use hearing aids.
Hearing Assessments are Your First Line of Defense
Feeling unsteady on your feet when you navigate a flight of stairs or trying to maintain your balance as you walk across uneven terrain can lead to a severe injury or even death if you fall.
If you’re concerned about your risk of falling or that of a loved one, treating any hearing loss could help improve your or their ability to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Hearing assessments are your first line of defense in treating the conditions that lead to dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. Schedule a hearing assessment at Brampton Hearing Aid Services and regain your confidence as you go about your day-to-day routines without worrying about falling.
Book your appointment online or give us a call at 905-791-2203 today!
