Life Sounds Great: Can falling be related to hearing loss?

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Can falling be related to hearing loss?

Yes, it can be related if your father has difficulty hearing. New research shows a link between hearing and falling. A study at Johns Hopkins hospital looked at over 2,000 people between ages of 40-69. They were assessed based on hearing ability and the number of falls over a period of one year. Their findings showed that people with a mild loss of hearing were nearly 3 times more likely to fall. They also found that for every 10 dB (a measure of sound intensity) increase in hearing loss, the chances of falling increased by 1.4. They discovered on the average those

With 25 dB loss were 3 times more likely to fall

With 35 dB loss were 4.4 times more likely to fall

With 45 dB loss were 5.8 times more likely to fall

With 55 dB loss were 7.2 times more likely to fall

With 65 dB loss were 8.6 times more likely to fall

This was true even when age, cardiovascular and vestibular health were taken into account. One reason for is people with difficulty hearing are less aware of their environment, making tripping and falling more likely. Another cause was the brain becomes be overwhelmed by the work load needed for hearing when hearing loss is untreated.

This is startling information and another great reason to seek hearing help. If you, or another loved one is experiencing changes in hearing or experiencing falls, call to schedule a hearing evaluation.

Life sounds great! Enjoy every moment!