When we think about our hearing, conversations, music and the sounds around us often come to mind. But hearing may also play a role in something we might not immediately associate with our ears: how safely we move through the world around us.
Think about walking along a busy street, moving through your home or having a conversation while you’re on the go. Staying steady involves more than simply watching where you’re going. Our balance relies on several systems working together, including our eyes, muscular strength, joint flexibility and inner ear.
Attention matters too, particularly when one system demands more of it. Researchers at Concordia University and Université de Montréal studied older adults who had to listen and stay balanced at the same time. They found that when listening becomes harder, the brain may need to focus more of its attention on understanding speech.
The sounds around us can also help keep us aware of our surroundings. Hearing footsteps, approaching traffic or someone nearby can provide useful information as we move through everyday environments.
Hearing isn’t the only thing that affects the risk of falling. Vision, mobility, medications, health conditions and our surroundings can all play a role. Falls often have several contributing factors, which is why looking after our overall health and mobility is so important.
Hearing changes can also happen gradually. You might find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, having more difficulty following conversations or turning up the television without realizing how much your hearing has changed.
Regular hearing tests can help you keep track of your hearing over time. If you notice a change, having it checked can help you better understand what’s happening and what next steps may be appropriate. Visit HearingLife.ca to book a free hearing test at a clinic near you.
Sources:
1. Public Health Agency of Canada. The Safe Living Guide: A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors.
2. Tonelli, M., et al. (2023). Associations between hearing loss and clinical outcomes: population-based cohort study. EClinicalMedicine.
3. Bruce, H., et al. (2019). The Effects of Age and Hearing Loss on Dual-Task Balance and Listening. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B.
