The effects of hearing loss on daily living are often more widespread and pervasive than most people realize. Aside from a reduced ability to communicate effectively, there are many other ways people with hearing loss can be affected.
Untreated hearing loss can cause profound damage to the auditory system, as the brain becomes unable to interpret sounds it no longer detects. Physical health is also a concern, as research shows a direct association between impaired hearing and an increased risk of falls and injury.
How can balance be affected by hearing loss?
Balance is generally maintained by input from our vision, which is relayed through nerves to a sensory system called the vestibular system, which interprets that information. The vestibular system is mainly located in the inner ear and is essential for coordinated movement, equilibrium, and balance.
When complications arise in the inner ear, they can affect balance and lead to hearing loss. These effects can occur independently or in combination, depending on the nature of the damage to the inner ear.
How is the risk of injury increased with hearing loss?
There are many ways impaired hearing can pose hazards to the affected individual. Balance is one aspect that can be affected by problems with the inner ear, which can result in dizziness, vertigo, and an increased risk of falls.
Higher Risk of Injury for Seniors
People over the age of 65 are more susceptible to hearing loss and fall injuries, compounding the danger. Many older adults just accept hearing loss as a natural part of aging and are likely to ignore the problem until it presents an immediate threat. The dilemma with that approach it that it often takes an injury to occur before any action is taken.
Seniors are already at greater risk of falls due to declining muscle strength and joint flexibility. Combine that with hearing loss, and the risk for injury is a cause for concern. It is estimated that seniors with hearing loss are 60% to 90% more likely to be injured in a fall, depending on the severity of the hearing loss.
Senior Hearing Loss is Extremely Common
It is reported that one in three adults over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss. The more concerning aspect of this prevalent hearing loss is that most people wait upwards of a decade to do anything about their hearing loss. Health and safety are in jeopardy when hearing loss continues to go untreated.
Hearing Loss Results in Decreased Awareness
Another detrimental aspect of hearing loss is that it makes the individual less mindful of their immediate surroundings. Not being able to hear certain sounds or frequencies means other people in the vicinity or nearby activities may go undetected. This can pose an injury risk. When hearing loss is an issue, the brain struggles harder to interpret speech and sounds, leaving fewer resources to focus on physical coordination, balance, and overall safety.
Treating Hearing Loss for Improved Health and Safety
Getting hearing loss issues diagnosed and treated can help improve overall health and safety in a variety of ways. It helps keep the mind active and sharp, decreasing the risk of dementia. It helps improve balance and environmental awareness to reduce the risk of injury. It also helps improve communication and social interaction to enhance the quality of daily life.
