Balance

Balance

Many people don’t realize that hearing impairment can lead to vestibular, or balance, problems — which can lead to falls. In fact, research has shown that falls are more common among those with hearing loss.

In one study of more than 2,000 adults ages 40 to 69:

• Patients with a mild hearing loss were nearly three times as likely to have reported a fall in the previous year.
• Every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss also meant a 1.4-fold increase in the odds of a fall the prior year.

Balance and equilibrium are controlled by the body’s vestibular system, involving parts of the brain, eyes, inner ear, and sensory systems, including skin, joints, and muscles. Keeping your hearing in the best shape possible can help reduce the risk of balance issues.