Falls & Accidents Are More Likely with Hearing Loss

According to a recent study, the risks of hearing loss might be more extensive than we thought. Although we already know that hearing loss is related to higher rates of physical health problems, mental health problems, cognitive decline, and social isolation, this recent study adds a new dimension by considering accidents and injuries. 

These other correlations have to do with ongoing health issues ranging from cardiovascular problems to dementia, but what about the risk of falling down? This study finds that indeed those with hearing loss have a higher likelihood of these types of accidents, and particularly seniors should not scoff at the danger of falling. Particularly with a combination of health issues, a fall can be part of a bigger picture of health risks. 

Let’s take a look at this new study as a fresh reminder of the importance of getting treatment for hearing loss. 

Hearing Loss, Accidents, and Injuries

This recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, asked people to report their own experience or perception of hearing loss. Using these rankings from “excellent” hearing to “a lot” of hearing loss, the study compared the results with trips to the hospital related to accidents and injuries. 

Indeed, those who reported higher levels of hearing loss had more of these serious accidents requiring medical attention. The categories of accidents might come as a surprise, as well. When it comes to leisure activities or sports, those with more hearing loss had higher rates of accidents. Putting yourself in the situation of a person on a bike ride or playing a contact sport, you can imagine how hearing loss might be related to these risks. 

When a threat comes our way, our ears are often the first line of recourse to alert us to danger. Whether that “threat” is a basketball coming from another court or a car approaching while you ride your bike, our ears are useful to make us aware of moving objects that are out of our line of vision. 

The second type of accident related to hearing loss is a work-related injury. Unfortunately, too many people continue to work in risky locations while they have hearing loss, and once again our ears are necessary to alert us to danger. Not only might you notice a sound that should serve as an alarm, but you might also miss a cautionary shout from a coworker. Those with severe hearing loss might even fail to hear an alarm for an emergency. 

The final category of accident might come as a surprise: car accidents. Although our eyes are probably the most useful tool to avoid car accidents, our ears also alert us to changing conditions. When we hear a concerning sound, we might be warned to look in that direction and avoid an accident. Although it can take time to adjust to wearing hearing aids while driving, these devices can be life-saving tools when it comes to hearing screeching wheels, emergency vehicle sirens, or other threats. 

How Treatment Can Help

If you have hearing loss, your risk of injury from accidents appears to be higher, according to this study. The best way to promote your wellbeing is to seek treatment for hearing loss. 

When you make an appointment for a hearing test, you are embarking on the journey toward filling in the gaps in your hearing that can put you at risk. You will have the opportunity to consult with our team of hearing health professionals about the situations that concern you, whether those are activities you enjoy, workplace situations, or the risk of accidents while driving. 

Describe the situations in which you feel like your hearing is compromised. If you can give details about the weaknesses in your hearing ability, that information can be combined with the results of your hearing test to arrive at a good plan of action to provide assistance. 

Indeed, hearing aids can serve as life-saving assistance in some instances, providing you with a first alert to the threats that you cannot see. In combination with the many features and functions of hearing aids that are now available, you will be glad you took the first step in the direction of treatment!  

Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.