How Hearing Loss and Fall Risk Are Connected

Halle Rohrs
Sep 10
2 min read

Did you know that even a mild hearing loss can nearly triple your risk of falling? It's a surprising statistic, but one that highlights how closely our hearing is tied to our sense of balance and overall awareness. As we head into the fall season, now is a great time to take a proactive step toward protecting your health and safety.

The Link Between Hearing and Balance

Many people associate balance only with vision or muscle strength, but hearing also plays a critical role. Our ears help us interpret the environment around us, whether it's footsteps behind us, a car approaching, or a warning sound in a store or at home. When hearing is diminished, the brain has to work harder to process sound, which can reduce the mental resources available for maintaining balance.

According to research from Johns Hopkins, people with even mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. As the degree of hearing loss increases, so does the risk. This makes hearing health an essential part of fall prevention, especially for older adults.

Fall Prevention Starts With a Hearing Check

You don’t have to wait until hearing loss becomes severe to take action. In fact, addressing mild to moderate hearing issues early can help you stay more aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks.

At Hometown Hearing Center, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized solutions designed to fit your lifestyle. Whether it's your first hearing test or you're already using hearing aids, our team is here to support your hearing health, and by extension, your safety.

Fall Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Your Health

As schedules settle down and routines shift into a new season, fall is an ideal time to check in on your health. If you've noticed that you're turning up the volume more often, asking others to repeat themselves, or feeling less confident on your feet, a hearing evaluation is a smart next step.

Don't let hearing loss quietly increase your fall risk. Taking action now can lead to greater confidence, better balance, and improved overall well-being.

FAQ: Hearing Loss and Fall Risk

How does hearing loss increase the risk of falling? Hearing loss reduces environmental awareness, making it harder to detect potential hazards. It also adds cognitive strain, which can affect balance and reaction time.
Can hearing aids help with balance? Yes, hearing aids can improve spatial awareness and reduce the mental load on the brain, which can contribute to better balance and stability.
What are signs that I should get my hearing checked? Turning up the volume frequently, asking people to repeat themselves, or struggling to hear in noisy environments are all signs that it's time for a hearing evaluation.
Is hearing loss a normal part of aging? While age-related hearing loss is common, it should not be ignored. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference in quality of life and safety.
Where can I get a hearing test? You can schedule a hearing evaluation with Hometown Hearing Center. Our friendly team is here to guide you through every step.