Hearing Loss and Falls

More than 1 in 3 Americans over age 65 will fall each year, according to the National Institute on Aging. In addition, approximately 1 in 3 individuals between 65 and 74 has hearing loss. Coincidence? Actually these two statistics are closely linked.

“Although it’s well know that inner ear disorders can affect balance, research points to a link between even mild hearing loss and an increased risk of falling,” says Blue Wave Hearing’s audiologist Dr. Megan Bruce.

A Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study showed that even mild hearing loss increases risk of falling almost threefold. And, as the degree of hearing loss increases, so does the risk of falling.

Although the reasons for this linkage are not completely clear, those with hearing loss may have decreased spatial awareness of the environment around them. Also, struggling to hear causes an overwhelming cognitive load, which leads to increased startling, and fewer cognitive resources available to handle balance.

“The good news is, research also shows that properly fitted hearing devices can help increase spatial awareness and improve performance on balance-related tasks,” says Dr. Bruce.

Concerned about your risk of falling? Make an appointment today for a FREE hearing evaluation.

Blue Wave’s Test Drive process lets you take home state-of-the-art hearing aids with no commitment or deposit required, so you can evaluate which hearing aid fits your lifestyle..

Schedule an appointment to take a Hearing Aid Test Drive with Dr. Bruce today by calling 479-202-9646 or visit www.BlueWaveHearing.com.

1501 SE Walton Blvd, Ste 119, Bentonville.

Dr. Megan Bruce