By Dr. Ava Rhodes, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology/Ear Nerd
Every December, healthcare providers across the country recognize Fall Prevention Month. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and the consequences can be life-changing—fractures, hospitalizations, and loss of independence.
Here in Naples, where active lifestyles are the norm, no one wants to miss out on golf, pickleball, tennis, or long walks on the beach because of a fall. While most people think about exercise, vision, and home safety when it comes to fall prevention, there’s another factor that often gets overlooked: hearing health.
Yes, your ears play a major role in keeping you steady on your feet. And untreated hearing loss can significantly increase your risk of falling.
The Connection Between Hearing and Balance
So how are your ears and your balance connected? The answer lies in the close relationship between the auditory system and the vestibular system (the balance organs inside your inner ear). While the vestibular system detects motion and spatial orientation, your hearing helps you stay aware of your surroundings—subtle cues like footsteps approaching, traffic nearby, or someone calling your name.
When hearing loss occurs, those cues become harder to detect. That means your brain has fewer signals to work with, and you may not react as quickly to changes around you. Research shows that people with even mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to experience a fall than those with normal hearing.
The reasons are both physical and cognitive:
• Cognitive load – When your brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps in conversation, it leaves fewer resources available for balance and spatial awareness.
• Reduced environmental awareness – Missed sounds can mean missed warnings, like a car backing up or a golf partner’s “Heads up!”
• Shared inner ear structures – The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance, so damage in one area can affect the other.
Why Falls Are So Dangerous
Falls aren’t just bumps and bruises. According to the CDC, one in four adults over age 65 falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. A single fall can lead to hip fractures, head trauma, and loss of mobility, often sparking a downward spiral in health.
Beyond the physical risks, falls can also lead to emotional consequences: fear of falling, reduced confidence, and withdrawal from activities. For many of my patients, this cycle of isolation looks very similar to what we see with untreated hearing loss.
Hearing Tests: A Vital Part of Fall Prevention
At Decibels Audiology, we emphasize hearing tests as a cornerstone of overall health. Just like an annual vision exam helps protect against falls by ensuring you can see clearly, a hearing test ensures you can process the sounds that keep you safe and steady.
A comprehensive hearing test allows us to:
• Identify even mild levels of hearing loss that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Establish a baseline to monitor changes over time.
• Recommend personalized solutions—whether that’s hearing technology, communication strategies, or referrals to other providers if balance issues are detected.
Many people put off a hearing test until they feel their hearing has gotten “bad enough.” But when it comes to fall prevention, early detection is key. Addressing hearing loss sooner rather than later can reduce risks and keep you living an active, independent life.
Prevention Is Always Better Than Recovery
We all know that recovering from a fall takes time, energy, and often rehabilitation. Prevention, on the other hand, is simple. This December, as we observe Fall Prevention Month, think about the steps you’re taking to protect yourself:
• Staying active to maintain strength and flexibility.
• Keeping your home free of tripping hazards.
• Getting your eyes checked regularly.
• And yes—making sure your hearing is tested and treated.
It’s a holistic approach, and hearing is a piece of the puzzle too important to ignore.
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging—they’re preventable. And one of the simplest, most effective steps you can take is scheduling a hearing test. By protecting your hearing, you’re not just improving communication—you’re protecting your balance, your confidence, and your independence.
This December, as we highlight Fall Prevention Month, I encourage you to add a hearing test to your wellness checklist. At Decibels Audiology, our team is here to provide thorough, compassionate care and solutions tailored to your lifestyle.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test, and take a proactive step toward a safer, healthier, and more confident tomorrow.
Helping Southwest Florida hear better for over 15 years!
Decibels Audiology & Hearing Center
239-325-0596 | napleshearingaids.com