Hearing loss and falling could be linked

A 1.4-fold increase in incidence of falls for every 10 decibels (dB) of measured hearing loss has been identified in a study by Dr Frank Lin, at John Hopkins University’s Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health.

The risk of falling has also been shown to be greater among patients who would benefit from treatment in hearing clinics than among their age-matched peers.

Hearing Aid supplier Signia Pro said, “Many of the causes of senior citizens falling and injuring themselves are preventable”.

Signia Pro recommended that, given the clinically significant link between hearing loss and incidents of falling, it is reasonable to suggest that clients get their hearing tested regularly.

Professor Dr Margie Sharpe from the Dizziness & Balance Disorders Centre said, “Loss of confidence after a fall or a fear of falling, all too often translates to avoidance of physical movement/activity. This means sitting for long periods of time to avoid falling.

“However, this strategy is counterintuitive because the lack of physical activity does not mitigate falls. The ramifications of a sedentary lifestyle are a major public health issue.”

By providing a safety net, fall detection systems can help older adults feel more confident in their ability to move around and participate in daily activities, which can improve their mental and physical wellbeing.

Fall detection and alerts are becoming increasingly important in health care, particularly for older adults who are more susceptible to falls and their associated injuries. Fall detection systems use various technologies, such as sensors and wearable devices, to detect when a person has fallen and alert caregivers or emergency services. These systems can also provide alerts when a person is at risk of falling, such as when they are exhibiting unstable movements or gait.

Fall detection and alerts via a hearing aid is also now a possibility.

Hearing Aid supplier Starkey said, “Fall Detection and Alerts is a Thrive Hearing Control app-based feature that leverages embedded sensors in Evolv AI hearing aids to detect when a wearer falls, then can send an alert message to selected friends, family members or caregivers.”

The hearing aid wearers select up to three contacts, within the app, to be notified if they fall. Once a fall has been detected, an auto alert automatically sends a message to the pre-selected contacts, informing them that a fall has occurred.

The hearing professional can also assign a manual alert option that allows the hearing aid wearer to press and hold their hearing aid to send the message — to their pre-selected contacts — for a fall- or non-fall related event.

Sharpe said, “It is timely for Australia to create a paradigm shift, regroup or re-centre and focus on the person at risk of the fall, and not their environment. We need to accept people will potentially fall, own it, and then encourage people to know what to do about it for their minimal impact.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Nastasic