Recently, a member of our family experienced a fall that caused a broken back. The resulting surgery and recovery process has led to significant life changes and prompted me to write this article.

More people than ever are aware that untreated hearing loss significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia. But most people are not aware of the connection between hearing loss and an increased likelihood of falling. A study published in 2023 shows individuals with untreated hearing loss were 2.4 times more likely to experience a fall. Untreated hearing loss contributes to an increased risk of falling in multiple ways. Cognitive decline and muscle weakness are two factors that contribute to an increased risk of falling, both of which can be worsened by untreated hearing loss.

The balance system is extremely complex and requires significant amounts of energy to function properly. A network of skeletal muscles controlled by the brain keeps the body upright while standing or walking. The brain relies on feedback from the ears, eyes and muscles to know what muscles to activate and nerve signals to send out to maintain balance. All of the nerve signals coming to and going from the brain require energy. The brain can become too weak and tired to effectively manage the signals and coordinate the muscles needed to maintain balance. Individuals with untreated hearing loss use a significant amount of energy and brain power trying to hear and understand and can become significantly more mentally and physically tired from trying to listen. This can leave the brain without the energy needed to coordinate and maintain balance.

Individuals with untreated hearing loss are also significantly more likely to become socially isolated and experience greater levels of depression. When an individual withdraws socially, they become less physically mobile and more sedentary. Individuals who are less mobile and more sedentary experience diminished nerve functionality and their muscles atrophy and become weaker. Diminished nerve function leads to slower reflexes and weaker muscles which increases not only the probability of falling, but also the likelihood of injury when experiencing a fall.

Wearing hearing aids gives the wearer better spatial awareness and decreases the mental energy needed to understand muffled sounds, freeing up energy that can be used for balance and coordination. Long term usage decreases cognitive decline and helps individuals stay more social and physically active. We encourage individuals with hearing loss to wear hearing aids for improved health, safety and quality of life. We also encourage all individuals to try to stay physically and socially active to the best of their abilities. Programs such a Silver Sneakers provide opportunities for physical exercise. Locally, we also have an exceptional resource at the Sue Corbett Active Adult Center at Eagle View that provides numerous opportunities for physical, mental and social improvement.