Tell others about your experience with us!Prevent Falls With Hearing Aids
Sep 18, 2015
Every year, millions of Americans over the age of 65 have a fall. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. A new study has found that hearing aids can help keep you standing on your own two feet.
The Washington University School of Medicine conducted a small study with participants ages 65-91. It was the first study to show that sound information – separate from the balance systems of the inner ear – helps maintain the body’s stability.
Balancing With And Without Hearing Aids
In the study, participants performed balance tests both with and without hearing aids. White noise was played for all the tests, and subjects were blindfolded while balancing in different positions for as long as they could. The balance positions ranged from easy (standing on a foam pad with their feet side-by-side) to more difficult (standing with one foot in front of the other).
Better Balance With Hearing Aids
As the tests got more difficult, the subjects did better when they were wearing hearing aids. Even people who performed well on the easy balance tests performed better on the harder tests when they wore hearing aids.
Sounds Help You Stay Upright
This study shows that older people with hearing aids may have better balance, because they use the sounds around them to orient their bodies in space, and keep them upright. This information is important because accidental falls affect the lives of so many older Americans.
Thousands Injured In Falls Each Year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in 2013, 2.5 million people were treated in hospitals for accidental falls, and over 25,000 older adults died from their injuries. For older adults, the injuries sustained in a fall can make it difficult to get around or live independently, decreasing their quality of life.
Visit An Audiologist
This study gives strong support to the idea that hearing aids can help you maintain your balance as you get older, decreasing the chances of a fall that can lead to serious injuries or death. Visit an experienced audiologist for a hearing test, and see if hearing aids are the right choice for you.
FREE Hearing Consultation*
Are you (or a loved one) having difficulty hearing?
You are invited to come in for a Complimentary Hearing Screening & Consultation with a Doctor of Audiology*
Schedule Your Appointment Online
* Applicable to new patients 18 years of age or older.
- Find out if you have hearing loss and what you can do about it
- If you already wear hearing aids, we'll check your settings and make adjustments if necessary
5 locations in the Washington, DC Metro Area. We'll help you hear ALL the sounds of life! Why wait another day?
We're DC Metro's highest rated audiology practice, with over 1,500 5-star reviews.
About Hearing Doctors
Personal Care & Custom Solutions
Our team of experienced, professional and caring audiologists specializes in "invisible" hearing aids, digital hearing solutions with crystal clear sound, treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pediatric audiology services for children aged 3-18 years, hearing aid repairs, hearing protection and custom earmolds.
5 Locations in Washington, DC Metro (Virginia & Maryland)
Come see us at one of our 5 convenient locations in the Washington, DC Metro Area, in McLean, Lansdowne, Falls Church, Fairfax, VA & Rockville, MD.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Online
* Applicable to new patients 18 years of age or older.