Falling is a common accident among the elderly. As people age, their hands, feet, and bodies become less agile, and their sensory organs also experience varying degrees of degeneration. Among the concerns of adult children, nothing is more worrying than the risk of their elderly parents falling. In this article, ELEHEAR will delve into the issues of falling and hearing loss, aiming to provide assistance and insights that may be beneficial to you.
Report and Data
As per a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), falls represent a significant health challenge for the global elderly population, topping the list in terms of both occurrence and fatality rates among accidental injuries in this demographic. Falls not only result in physical injuries and disabilities but also contribute to psychological issues like depression, anxiety, restricted mobility, and fear of falling. While it's commonly assumed that falls correlate directly with factors such as vision and physical flexibility, it's crucial to recognize the intricate connection between hearing impairment and falls among older adults. It's widely observed that the elderly population with hearing impairment faces a significantly higher risk of falls compared to those with normal hearing abilities. Research indicates that about one-third of individuals who experience falls also report having difficulties with their hearing. Moreover, studies have revealed a close correlation between hearing loss and falls, showing that older adults with mild hearing loss are two to three times more likely to experience falls, and for every 10-decibel decrease in hearing loss, the risk of falling increases by 1.5 times.
The prevalence of hearing loss is undeniably increasing, with estimates suggesting that over 460 million people worldwide are affected to varying degrees. As a result, identifying the causes of hearing loss and its associations with other conditions or disabilities among the elderly has become a crucial research focus. One such study analyzed data from 1,644 participants aged 65 and above in the ENRICA Seniors-2 study conducted in Spain. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, these findings offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals to conduct screening for hearing impairment among high-risk fall patients, enabling timely diagnosis and intervention.
Link between hearing loss and falls in older adults
There is a causal relationship between hearing loss and falls among the elderly. Due to the vestibular system located in the inner ear, our ears play a crucial role in our sense of balance. It is responsible for maintaining our stability by sending signals to the brain.
As we age, our physical functions often decline, which can increase the risk of falls among the elderly as well as a decline in hearing abilities. According to a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, even mild hearing loss can increase the likelihood of unexpected falls.
Hearing Aids Reduce Fall Risk in Elderly with Hearing Loss
Wearing appropriate hearing aids can effectively enhance the hearing level of the elderly, not only improving their language perception and communication abilities but also delaying the onset and progression of cognitive impairments. Additionally, it can improve their balance function and posture control, thereby further reducing or preventing occurrences of falls and other related incidents. Consider trying ELEHEAR's Bluetooth OTC hearing aids; in just three weeks, one can experience a whole new auditory world, effectively reducing the likelihood of falls.
All in all, the harm of hearing loss to the elderly is subtle yet profound. If left unchecked, seniors may face a range of issues including communication barriers, inconvenience in daily life, safety hazards, and psychological distress. Timely and appropriate hearing interventions can allow seniors to rediscover the world of sound and enjoy a fulfilling and happy later life.