With that in mind, we’d like to highlight a groundbreaking study that not only emphasizes the importance of our auditory function but also reveals how it ties into something you might not expect: fall risk among seniors.
A study authored by Joseph Sakumura, AuD, and Richard Gans, PhD, and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology (find the study here), delves deep into the role cognitive, vestibular, and auditory functions play in managing the risk of falls.
The Alarmingly High Stakes of Falls
Falls, especially among older adults, are not a topic to be taken lightly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documents over 800,000 hospitalizations and an alarming 27,000 deaths annually in the US due to falls. But what if there was a preventative approach rooted in our auditory health?
Revelatory Findings: Hearing Health’s Direct Impact on Fall Risks
This comprehensive study involved 599 participants, ranging in age from 18 to 89. The aim? To discern any patterns or correlations between cognitive, vestibular, and auditory functions and their potential link to fall risks. The findings are enlightening.
One particularly poignant statement from the study is:
“Hearing loss is acknowledged as the prime modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Moreover, individuals with even slight impairments in cognitive domains like visuo-spatial processing, executive function, memory recall, and reaction times have a 14-fold likelihood of having diminished postural stability and an elevated fall risk.”
Furthermore, referencing multiple other studies, it was found that:
“The risk of falling is three times greater in individuals with hearing loss than in those with normal auditory functions.”
A Holistic Approach to Auditory Health and Stability
So, what does this mean for us at Aim Hearing and for our cherished community in Greensboro, NC? It further strengthens our belief in the profound impact of auditory health on overall well-being.
The findings serve as a testament to the holistic approach we advocate, emphasizing that taking care of our hearing health goes beyond mere communication; it’s a key player in ensuring physical safety, balance, and stability.
Join Us in Aiming for a Safe, Balanced Life
Treating hearing loss is not just about clear conversations.
It’s about holistic health, balance, and ensuring the safety of our senior community members.
If you, or someone dear to you, have concerns about your auditory health or its potential ramifications, Aim Hearing stands ready to assist.
You’ve trusted us with your hearing; now let us help you aim for a safer, more balanced life.
To schedule a comprehensive hearing assessment, click here or dial (336) 295-1064 directly. Your stability matters to us.
