As we age, our risk of falling and major injuries increases. This natural progression can lead to a lot of fear, but there are things that can be done to prevent these risks, including vision checks and of course, hearing tests.
Hearing plays a crucial role in our balance and spatial awareness. The inner ear houses the vestibular system, a complex network that regulates balance, and while hearing loss itself doesn’t directly affect the vestibular system, studies show that even mild symptoms can triple the risk of falls compared to those with typical hearing.
But why?
To start at the most basic level, hearing helps us detect subtle environmental cues like approaching footsteps and distant conversations. When those sounds are diminished, it becomes harder to orient yourself safely in space, and as a result, you must exert more mental effort to make up for that loss.
Cognitive strain and stress reduce the brain’s capacity to focus on balance and coordination, which manifests itself more in older adults and impacts a range of systems in the body.
The good news is that there are proven methods of mitigating risk in your daily life. Wearing hearing aids is one of the easiest tactics that individuals with hearing loss and balance issues can start with; consistent use of these devices has been proven to reduce the prevalence of falls as well.
Plus, modern hearing aids are equipped with advanced sound localization features that enhance spatial awareness, helping you better detect sounds from different directions.
In addition to hearing aids, consider smart home devices that provide auditory cues through visual alerts or vibrations. These can augment the work that your hearing assistive devices are doing and increase awareness of environmental sounds.
If you don’t already have hearing aids, regular hearing tests are a great way of monitoring your overall health; especially if you are an older adult. This easy test is key because audiologists can assess your hearing and recommend treatment options, which can improve your environmental awareness and help reduce cognitive load.
Improving your hearing is vital, but dedicating some time to exercise can also reduce fall risk even further. Activities like tai chi, yoga, and specific vestibular therapy routines can also enhance stability and coordination.
Additionally, regular physical activity strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and supports balance; a healthy diet will also improve your overall well being.
At home, you can create a safer living space too by installing grab bars in bathrooms, removing clutter, and securing loose rugs. Ensuring all rooms are well-lit, especially stairways and hallways, and adding non-slip mats in key areas like kitchens and bathrooms can also reduce your risk of falling.
While it may seem like hearing is unrelated to fall risk, the two are inextricably linked. If you begin to experience hearing loss, the functionality of the rest of your body will be impacted, and by addressing your hearing health with regular tests with your neighborhood audiologist and consistent use of your hearing devices and other assistive technologies, you can make a meaningful difference in your life and reduce your risk of falling in everyday life.
If you want to take back your independence, reach out to an audiologist today to take your first step toward improved wellbeing and safety.
