Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.
At the beginning of my career as an audiologist, I performed a significant amount of vestibular (balance) testing. I saw firsthand how dizziness and falls could disrupt lives, limit independence, and take away the simple joys of daily living. Over time, I realized that hearing loss often plays an underappreciated role in these balance issues.
The Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Falling
Hearing loss is far more common than many people realize, and it’s closely linked to an increased risk of falls. In fact, studies show that for every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss, the risk of falling rises by as much as 140%. This means that whether your hearing loss is mild, moderate, or severe, your likelihood of falling is higher than that of someone with normal hearing.
One reason is that hearing loss limits your ability to detect environmental cues—like the sound of someone approaching, a pet moving across the floor, or traffic nearby. It also affects spatial awareness, which is critical for avoiding hazards and navigating safely.
The Role of Hearing in Balance
Balance relies on three primary systems:
- Vision – visual input helps you detect movement and spatial orientation
- Somatosensory feedback – sensation from your feet and body informs your brain about surface stability
- Hearing and the Vestibular System – located in the inner ear, this provides vital spatial orientation and postural control
While vision and foot sensation are well known, hearing’s role is often overlooked. The inner ear houses both the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular system (for balance). Damage to one system—such as through untreated hearing loss—can influence the performance of the other, increasing the likelihood of imbalance and falls.
The Impact of Falls on Older Adults
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. Beyond the immediate danger of fractures or head injuries, falls often lead to extended hospital stays, costly medical bills, and a loss of independence. Many older adults also develop a fear of falling, which can lead to social withdrawal and decreased activity—both of which further weaken balance and mobility.
Identifying the Risk Factors
You may be at a higher risk of falls if:
- You’ve experienced one or more falls in the past year
- You feel unsteady or have a fear of falling
- You experience dizziness, vertigo, or lightheadedness
- You have untreated hearing loss or vision impairment
Audiologists can evaluate both hearing and balance health through a series of specialized tests, enabling early intervention and targeted treatment.
The Role of Balance Assessment
A professional balance assessment can identify whether your instability stems from the inner ear, the vestibular system, or other causes. Common tests include videonystagmography (VNG), posturography, and rotary chair evaluations. These tests allow clinicians to pinpoint deficits and create a customized treatment plan that may include hearing aids, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or lifestyle modifications.
Taking a Holistic Approach
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. In addition to treating hearing loss, comprehensive fall prevention may include:
- Vision exams and corrective lenses
- Medication reviews to reduce dizziness side effects
- Home safety modifications
- Strength and balance exercises
When professionals like audiologists, ophthalmologists, physical therapists, and primary care doctors collaborate, patients receive well-rounded care that addresses every aspect of fall prevention.
The Benefits of Treating Hearing Loss
Managing hearing loss provides more than just improved communication. Benefits include:
- Better balance and spatial awareness
- Reduced tinnitus symptoms
- Improved cognitive health and memory
- Lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline
Hearing aids restore important auditory cues, helping individuals feel more confident in their surroundings and reducing fall risk.
Starkey Hearing Aids: The Ideal Choice for Fall Prevention
While many hearing aids improve safety indirectly, Starkey Hearing Aids offer a unique Fall Alerts feature. Using built-in sensors, these devices can detect sudden movements that may indicate a fall and automatically notify a designated contact or caregiver.
Benefits of Starkey’s Fall Alerts
- Immediate Emergency Notification: Ensures help is contacted quickly after a fall.
- Peace of Mind: Offers reassurance for both users and their families.
- Supports Independence: Reduces the need for constant supervision.
- Customizable Settings: Sensitivity and contact preferences can be adjusted.
More Than Just Fall Prevention
Starkey devices also provide top-tier sound processing, noise reduction, and wireless streaming from phones, TVs, and other devices, making them a strong choice for both safety and everyday communication needs.
Consultation with an Audiologist
Choosing the right hearing aid—especially one with fall-prevention features—requires professional guidance. Services like ZipHearing can connect you with a local audiologist for personalized care. Your provider will consider your hearing loss, lifestyle, and balance needs to recommend the best solution.
Conclusion
The connection between hearing loss and falls is well established, yet often overlooked. By addressing hearing loss early—whether through hearing aids, therapy, or other interventions—you can improve your balance, reduce your fall risk, and maintain your independence for years to come.
Hearing aids don’t just restore sound—they can also improve balance and reduce fall risk. For more on how hearing aids and other treatments impact overall health, read our Guide to Sensorineural Hearing Loss Treatment Options.