The latest research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society finds wearing hearing aids significantly reduces older adults' chances of taking a tumble. A study of 300 adults found hearing aid users had 50% lower odds of falling versus non-users.
- Those who wore them four plus hours daily cut their risk by up to 65%.
The backstory: Previous evidence on the value of hearing aids for reducing falls was mixed. The likely reason: **people abandon their hearing aids. The new study accounted for consistent use.
- The results indicate the more regularly people wear hearing aids, the lower their fall risk.
By the numbers
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older, and the fall death rate is increasing.
- The age-adjusted fall death rate increased by 41% from 55.3 per 100,000 older adults in 2012 to 78.0 per 100,000 older adults in 2021.5,6
- The increasing number of falls-related deaths in adults can be prevented through risk screening and addressing risk factors, such as hearing loss, medications, and low strength.
Why it matters
With falls a top cause of deaths in seniors, hearing aids improve stability, reducing falls.
- Hearing health merits attention, considering that every 19 seconds, someone falls in the US and breaks a hip.
Yes, but: Vanity prevents some from adopting hearing aids to treat hearing loss. For the self-conscious, discreet hearing aid styles are available.
Why it works
While research continues to investigate precisely how hearing loss contributes to falls, today, scientists hypothesize that hearing aids may
- Help us better understand our surroundings by sharpening our ability to echolocate.
- Free up cognitive resources for balance and navigation, otherwise used for puzzling conversations.
- Compensate for age-related decline in the vestibular system (balance).
The takeaway
If you have hearing loss, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling by wearing your hearing aids regularly.
1 big idea: Pragmatic steps like treating hearing loss can enhance safety and independence, keeping loved ones thriving.
Schedule a free hearing screening
Hearing loss is gradual and not benign. Untreated, it increases your risk of falling, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Check your hearing health with a free, 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule yours.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
Don't let untreated hearing loss threaten your health and happiness.
