One in four older adults falls each year, according to data from the CDC. While falls can be linked to physical weakness or environmental hazards, research shows a connection between hearing loss and falls.1 Even mild, untreated hearing impairments can significantly increase the risk of falling.
Hearing health is a vital pillar of your overall well-being. Understanding the connection between your ears and your balance is the first step toward staying safe, active, and independent.
Did you know: People who have hearing loss are 51% more likely to have a history of falling compared to those with normal hearing.1
Does Hearing Loss Affect Balance?
Yes, hearing loss can directly affect balance. It might seem strange that an issue with your ears could cause a stumble, but the two are biologically and neurologically linked. Here are the three primary reasons why hearing loss affects balance and, therefore, increases the risk of falls:
- Reduced Spatial Awareness: Hearing plays a critical role in building the "sound map" of your environment. Your brain uses subtle auditory cues to understand where you are in relation to objects and people. When hearing is impaired, you lose those environmental anchors, making it harder to gauge your surroundings and maintain your equilibrium.
- The Cognitive Load Factor: Walking and balancing are complex tasks that require brainpower. When you have untreated hearing loss, your brain works overtime just to decode speech and filter out background noise, leading to cognitive overload.
What does this mean? When you struggle to hear, your brain must use more energy and cognitive resources to process auditory signals, leaving fewer resources available to manage balance and gait. All of this can lead to a trip or even a fall. - Inner Ear and Balance: The inner ear keeps you upright and provides vital signals to your brain that help control your spatial reasoning, range of motion, and equilibrium. That’s because the inner ear is home to two critical systems: the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance)2. Since they share the same physical space and nerve pathways, damage to one often affects the other.
Do Hearing Aids Help With Balance?
The good news? Addressing hearing loss can significantly improve your stability. According to a 2024 study published in the National Library of Medicine, for older adults with hearing loss, there’s an association between consistent hearing aid use and lower fall prevalence and risk.
By wearing hearing aids consistently, you:
- Restore environmental cues. You’ll regain the sound map that helps you navigate spaces safely.
- Decrease cognitive fatigue. With less effort spent on listening, your brain can refocus on physical coordination.
- Increase confidence. Many falls occur because of anxiety about falling. Better hearing helps you feel more connected and move more freely in the world around you!
Protect Your Physical and Mental Health
Noticing Changes in Your Stability? Don’t Wait!
If you’ve noticed yourself feeling a bit off-balance, or if you find yourself straining to follow conversations, it’s time to take action. A fall can have a long-term impact on your independence, but it can be prevented.
Take our online hearing quiz. Just a few minutes in a quiet space can give you insight into your hearing, which could be contributing to changes in your stability.
Once you’re ready to speak to a hearing health care professional, Amplifon Hearing Health Care can help set up an appointment for you! We have clinics nationwide, so you can get the hearing health care you need.
Continue Learning
Risk of Falls & Vertigo
Understand the connection between these two so you can get the support and care you need.
1. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Hearing Loss and Falls.
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Inner Ear.
Good hearing matters
