As you get older, you may find yourself becoming clumsier, tripping over things, or falling on occasion. Is it because of your age, or is something else to blame? A research study recently released in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery indicated that there may be another factor – hearing loss.
The study surveyed over 6 million American adults who reported experiencing accidental injuries. Researchers sought to determine whether or not hearing ability affected the risk of injury. According to study author Neil Bhattacharyya, there was indeed a link – the respondents who reported a greater degree of hearing loss were more likely to also experience accidental injury. He pointed out that this makes sense because the ability to hear is closely connected with other body systems.
Hearing loss and balance
Both hearing and balance are linked to the proper functioning of the inner ear. When age, disease, or other conditions cause damage to the inner ear, hearing and balance can both be impaired. It makes sense, then, that an individual with hearing loss might also have less than perfect balance, subjecting them to an increased risk of falls and related injuries.
Hearing as a warning system
Our sense of hearing also works closely with our vision to protect us from dangers in our environment. Often, our first indication that something is amiss comes from what we see or hear. When either of these senses is compromised, our built-in warning system fails us. We are then more vulnerable to injury because we don’t heed the visual or auditory warning signals that could keep us safe.
Listening fatigue
Hearing is also intricately connected with the nervous system, as the brain helps the body to translate and make sense of sounds that are picked up through the ears. If you are constantly straining to hear things throughout the day, your brain becomes fatigued and less able to process other information that would normally help prevent you from having an accident and getting injured.
Detection and treatment
Early detection of hearing loss is an important step in preventing secondary effects, such as falls and other injuries. If you believe you have a hearing problem, make an appointment with one of our audiologists as soon as possible. We can diagnose and treat many kinds of hearing disorders and keep you living safe and well!
Read the full article here: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2018/hearing-loss-injury-accidents-falling.html