Auditory Function & Fall Risk

It’s no secret that your hearing is connected to your balance; your vestibular system resides within your inner ear and helps make sure that you’re feeling steady on your feet.  

I recently came across this study by Joseph Sakumura, AuD, and Richard Gans, PhD, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, that details the role of auditory, vestibular, and cognitive functions in your balance.  

If these three functions aren’t as strong as they should be, you could be at an increased risk of falls that could cause serious harm.  

Falls are a significant cause for hospitalization and death among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year there are approximately 3 million emergency department visits due to harmful falls – but your risk can be easily mitigated with comprehensive hearing care. 

This research from Sakamura and Gans shows a potential for lasting safety from harmful falls: by improving your cognitive, vestibular, and auditory functions, you can stay steady on your feet and mitigate your risk of falling. 

The Science Says… 

The study took almost 600 adults between 18-89 years of age and examined the relationship between auditory, vestibular, and cognitive functions and how they’re linked to an increased risk of falling – the data was remarkable to read. 

Hearing loss is recognized in the study as the “number one modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline,” and that even mild cognitive impairment could lead to elevated fall risk. (Your hearing is also closely linked to your cognitive abilities, like your memory and recollection of information!) 

Falls are a significant health concern, especially as we get older, but cognitive, vestibular, and auditory function can help you moderate that fall risk, keeping yourself safe from harmful falls. 

You can get assessed for all three functions with our array of audiological services, including hearing tests and our cognitive ability assessments. We’d be happy to help you take control of your hearing health and look after your cognitive, vestibular, and auditory functions! 

Concerned About Your Hearing? 

With comprehensive hearing care, you can stay balanced, hear the life you love, and more – all it takes is a phone call or a visit to our website.