Hearing loss and increased risk of falling

Reports have shown that 40% of individuals who live at home, after reaching the age of 65, will fall at least once each year.

*Quotes within article have been shared with the permission of Prof M. Sharpe

The risk of falling has also been shown to be greater among patients who would benefit from treatment in hearing clinics than among their age-matched peers.

In fact, a study conducted by Dr. Frank Lin, at John Hopkins University’s Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, identified a 1.4-fold increase in incidence of falls for every 10 decibels (dB) of measured hearing loss.

Hearing Aid supplier Signia Pro says, "Many of the causes of senior citizens falling and injuring themselves are preventable."

They recommend that given the clinically significant link between hearing loss and incidents of falling, it is reasonable to suggest that clients get their hearing tested regularly.

Professor Dr Margie Sharpe from the Dizziness & Balance Disorders Centre says, “loss of confidence after a fall or a fear of falling, all too often translates to avoidance of physical movement/activity. This means, sitting for long periods of time to avoid falling. However, this strategy is counter intuitive and because the lack of physical activity does not mitigate falls. The ramifications of a sedentary lifestyle are a major public health issue.”

By providing a safety net, fall detection systems can help older adults feel more confident in their ability to move around and participate in daily activities, which can improve their mental and physical well-being. Fall detection and alerts are becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for older adults who are more susceptible to falls and their associated injuries. Fall detection systems use various technologies, such as sensors and wearable devices, to detect when a person has fallen and alert caregivers or emergency services. These systems can also provide alerts when a person is at risk of falling, such as when they are exhibiting unstable movements or gait.

Fall detection and alerts via a hearing aids is now a "thing".

Hearing Aid supplier Starkey say, "Fall Detection and Alerts is a Thrive Hearing Control app-based feature that leverages embedded sensors in Evolv AI hearing aids to detect when a wearer falls, then can send an alert message to selected friends, family members or caregivers."

One of the primary benefits of fall detection and alerts is that they can provide peace of mind for older adults and their caregivers and, they can help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. Within the hearing aid, ie once enabled within the Starkey Thrive app, the Evolv AI hearing aid wearers select up to three contacts, within the app, to be notified if they fall. Once a fall has been detected, an auto alert automatically sends a message to the pre-selected contacts, informing them that a fall has occurred. The hearing professional can also assign a manual alert option that allows the hearing aid wearer to press and hold their hearing aid to send the message — to their pre-selected contacts — for a fall or non-fall related event.

Professor Dr Margie Sharpe says, “It is timely for Australia to create a paradigm shift, regroup or re-centre and focus on the person at risk of the fall, and not their environment. We need to accept people will potentially fall, own it, and then encourage people to know what to do about it for their minimal impact.“

One such improvement is suggesting hearing aids with inbuilt detection features.

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