01/06/2026
Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of falls by approximately 140%.
Why this happens:
Research (notably from Johns Hopkins) has shown that adults with hearing loss have a significantly higher fall risk compared to those with normal hearing. Several mechanisms help explain this:
Reduced environmental awareness
Hearing contributes to spatial awareness. When hearing is reduced, it’s harder to detect cues like approaching people, footsteps, or warning sounds that help with balance and orientation.
Shared inner-ear systems
The auditory and vestibular (balance) systems are anatomically and functionally related. Damage affecting hearing may also impact balance function, even subtly.
Increased cognitive load
People with hearing loss use more mental effort to listen and understand speech. This added cognitive demand can reduce attention available for maintaining balance, especially while walking or multitasking.
Slower reaction time
Difficulty hearing environmental cues may delay responses to hazards, increasing the likelihood of a fall.
Get your hearing tested, kids!
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