One of the top concerns among elderly citizens is the fear of falling. Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of injury and death in the United States. Growing evidence has begun to link falls to another common woe among many elderly individuals – hearing loss.

1. Seniors Home Care

2.  One of the top concerns among elderly
citizens is the fear of falling.
 Among seniors, falls are the leading cause of
injury and death in the United States.
 Growing evidence has begun to link falls to
another common woe among many elderly
individuals – hearing loss.

3.  A study by the Johns Hopkins School of
Medicine and the National Institute on Aging
has suggested that hearing loss significantly
increases the risk of falling.
 Researchers determined that even “mild”
hearing loss nearly triples the risk of falling.
 Furthermore, every additional 10 decibels of
hearing loss increases the risk by another
140%.

4.  There are several reasons for hearing loss’
impact on fall risk. Most obvious is the decreased
awareness of one’s surrounding environment and
other cues that help maintain balance and
prevent falls.
 Individuals with hearing loss also use more brain
energy to compensate for the sounds they miss,
which may tap into the cognitive resources that
help maintain proper balance and gait, causing
increased fall risk.
 Researchers hope the findings of the study will
help develop new ways to prevent falls, especially
among the elderly.

5.  Participants who wore hearing aids in both ears
performed better on standard balance tests when
the hearing aids were turned on than when they
were turned off.
 They seemed to use sound information as
auditory reference points or landmarks to help
maintain balance.
 Improving hearing through hearing aids or
cochlear implants may help prevent falls for
elderly individuals.
 Thus, fall prevention becomes another benefit of
regular hearing testing.

6.  If you suspect that you or an elderly loved
one are having trouble hearing, speak with
your health care provider.
 The solution may be as simple as your doctor
removing excess wax build-up in the ears.
 They may also refer you to a professional who
may recommend a hearing aid which are
effective and available in many different
designs.

7.  There are many ways for elderly individuals to
prevent falls. Additional recommendations from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
◦ Regular exercise, with a focus on leg strength and
improving balance.
◦ Review medications with your health care provider to
identify possible side effects or interactions that may
increase fall risk.
◦ Have vision checked at least once a year.
◦ Increase home safety through fall prevention modifications
such as grab bars in and around the bathtub or shower and
by the toilet; removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs
and loose cords; adding sturdy stair railings; and improving
lighting throughout the home.

8.  Professional caregivers from a home care
company can also be a great tool to prevent falls.
 Caregivers can provide stand-by assistance for
seniors at risk of falling. They can also prevent
falls by minimizing clutter through light
housekeeping.
 Caregivers can additionally help with exercise
and preparing healthy meals to maintain a strong
body.
 Furthermore, professional caregivers are trained
to monitor an elder’s condition and spot and
report any changes or concerns.

9.  Seniors Home Care (SHC), a privately owned
company operated by a Registered Nurse, has
been providing professional and
compassionate St. Louis-area elder care since
1987. SHC offers complete personal and
household services that allow seniors to
maintain their dignity and independence,
wherever they call home.