Hearing Loss Increases the Risk of Falls
Falls account for 67% of emergency room visits among adults aged 65 and older and are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in this age group. Did you know hearing loss can increase the risk of falls and injuries, potentially affecting mobility, daily activities, and even life expectancy?
Your hearing plays a much larger role than you may think. The ears are home to more than just the hearing nerve, they also house the cochlea, which is where our sense of balance comes from. Inside the cochlea are semicircular canals and the otolithic organs which are responsible for our sense of balance. Along with our sense of sight and touch, this is how our body senses movement.
What’s the Connection?
Because of the proximity of the hearing nerve and the cochlea, hearing loss and balance problems can often be experienced together. Problems with the inner ear that cause hearing loss can also be responsible for balance problems or an increase in falls.
Hearing loss and balance issues do not always go together. You can have hearing loss without ever experiencing a problem with your balance. You can also experience dizziness or balance issues even if you don’t have hearing loss. Regardless, it is best to be proactive if you feel unsteady or are having a hard time hearing.
Visit a Hearing Professional
We can help you manage your hearing loss and can diagnose any problems you may have with your balance. If you are unsure if you have hearing loss, a hearing test is the first step. A hearing test will allow us to identify any signs of infection or middle/inner ear damage that may have caused your hearing loss or balance problem.
If you have recently experienced a sudden loss in your hearing due to a head or ear injury, then you should seek help immediately. Any trauma to the head or ear can not only result in sensorineural hearing loss, but it can also lead to an increase in falls and other issues with balance or dizziness.
Prevention Goes a Long Way
Timely evaluation and trusted advice help those at risk make informed decisions. Since hearing loss can increase the risk of falls and impact quality of life and longevity, it’s important to seek a hearing consultation before symptoms begin so that potential issues can be addressed early.