By Ashima Verma

Hey there! September was falls prevention month, so let’s talk about something that can really knock you off your feet — literally. Did you know that hearing loss can increase the chances of taking a tumble, especially in older adults? 

Falling when you’re older is no joke. Osteoporosis, which is common among older adults, makes bones fragile. But before we dive into how hearing loss relates to falling, let’s chat about the connection between hearing and balance. Spoiler alert: Your ears are doing way more than just picking up your favorite tunes.

The Secret Life of Your Balance System

So, what’s this balance system we’re talking about? Turns out, it’s not just about how gracefully you can walk a tightrope or balance on one leg in yoga. Your body uses a high-tech, three-part system to keep you upright and walking confidently down the sidewalk. The brain relies on:

1. The vestibular organs in your inner ear (your body’s secret GPS),
   
2. Your eyes (to make sure you’re not stepping into the abyss), and
   
3. Sensations in your legs and feet (proprioception—it’s a fancy term for knowing where your feet are without looking down).
    

The vestibular system—aka the balance maestro—helps you stay upright, figure out where you are in space, and avoid tripping over imaginary obstacles. About 15–20% of American adults experience balance issues every year, and the number jumps to 35% for those aged 40 and older. So if you’ve ever felt a little wobbly, you’re not alone!

The Inner Ear: A Two-in-One Deal

Hearing and balance are like roommates sharing the same inner ear apartment. Your cochlea (the spirally little organ that turns soundwaves into brain signals) lives right next door to the vestibular system. They even share the same “vestibulocochlear nerve,” which connects both hearing and balance to the brain. And just like neighbors in a duplex, when something goes wrong in one room (like a vestibular disorder), the other can feel the heat and vice versa.

Conditions That Affect Both Hearing and Balance

Here are some disorders that can mess with both your hearing and balance.

• Ménière’s disease: This inner ear disorder can cause dizziness, ringing ears, and hearing loss.
  
• Acoustic neuroma: A benign tumor that throws off balance and hearing.
  
• Ototoxic drugs: Meds that are toxic to your ears (yikes), like some chemotherapy drugs
  
• Prolonged noise exposure
  
• Aging

How Does Hearing Loss Lead to More Falls?

Now that we’ve established the ear-balance connection, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: How does hearing loss increase the risk of falls? 

Hearing Hijacks Your Brain Resources

Ever tried multitasking and realize you’ve dropped the ball on one (or all) tasks? Same thing is happening here. If your brain is working extra hard to hear and straining to catch sounds, it has fewer resources left for keeping you upright. Picture yourself trying to balance while reading a book and juggling. Not easy, right?

Aging Isn’t Just a Hearing Issue — It’s a Balance Issue Too

As we age, not only does hearing decline, but the vestibular sense also takes a hit. Those low-frequency sounds? They can slowly chip away at the inner ear over time, making it harder for you to stay steady.

Sounds Help Us Balance

Believe it or not, hearing actually helps you stay balanced. Think of sound like your body’s yoga instructor, giving you a point of focus. When you can’t hear stable, familiar sounds — like the hum of the fridge or the gentle echoes of your surroundings — you’re more likely to wobble. Humans can even echolocate (like bats or dolphins, kind of) — we can sense the size of a room based on how sound bounces off the walls. But you need to hear those high-frequency sounds for that.

Hearing Loss Messes With Your Mood

Hearing loss is linked to depression, and being stuck in a fog of misery and anxiety can make you less alert. A less alert mind can mean more falls. It’s like walking through life with the “low battery” warning flashing in your brain.

What Can We Do to Preserve Hearing and Balance?

Using Hearing Aids

Here’s the good news: You can lower your risk of falling by wearing your hearing aids. A study in 2023 found that hearing aid use can reduce the risk of falls by a solid 13%. Think of hearing aids as your personal balancing tool — kind of like a cane, but for your ears.

Working on Physical Health

Other strategies? Move! Walk! Do balance exercises and strength training. 

Studies show that working on your strength for just 15-20 minutes twice a week can drastically cut your fall risk. And even if you do take a spill, stronger muscles and bones mean you’re less likely to break anything.

Oh, and speaking of bones — hearing loss is linked to osteoporosis. Keeping your bones healthy also keeps your inner ear in check. It’s a win-win!

Don’t Forget Your Vision

And while we’re at it, think about your vision, too. Dual sensory impairment (poor hearing + poor vision) equals a higher risk for falls and even dementia. So, keep those glasses handy and your hearing aids charged. It is also advisable to take care of your surroundings. A good way to do that is by ensuring your home and outdoor spaces are well-lit to prevent any trips or falls.

Conclusion: Stay Sharp, Stay Steady

So, what’s the moral of the story? Hearing loss doesn’t just make it harder to follow conversations — it can trip you up, literally. By taking care of your hearing (wear those hearing aids!), staying active, and keeping those bones strong, you can help prevent falls and keep living your best, most balanced life.

About the Author

Ashima Verma is an audiologist with a passion for advancing hearing health and helping individuals with hearing loss. With experience in clinical audiology, she is currently exploring PhD programs to further her expertise and contribute to the field.