TIP OF THE MONTH

Hearing Loss

Listen Up! Hearing loss significantly increases your risk of falls.

Hearing loss makes people less aware of their environment and can decrease spatial awareness which is the ability to gauge where their body is in relation to objects. It causes the brain to use more resources for hearing and interpreting speech and sound, therefore making it harder to focus on gait, walking, and balance.

Practical Tips

Speak Up

Talk to your family and friends. Have they noticed you asking “What?” more frequently? Or do you ask people to repeat themselves?  Have your primary care provider check your ears.

Schedule a Screening

If you have trouble understanding speech in a noisy environment, a hearing test can help point you in the right direction. A full audiogram is best as it will provide all the information you need to identify what type of assistive device would be best for you. It’s not always hearing aids! See the resources below for more information.  

Address Risk Factors

Addressing hearing loss is a critical piece of reducing the risk of falls for seniors and helping them live independently. Don’t take your hearing aids out at home.  80% of falls occur in the home. If the hearing aids are uncomfortable, see your audiologist. *Audiologist-purchased hearing aids can be more expensive, but the cost includes visits to fix discomfort, adjust for sound and understanding and education on proper care. 

Additional Resources

Hearing and Ear Health - (Falls Free WI- hearing health education)

Mobile Audiology Clinic (HEAR Wisconsin- mobile audio clinic)

The 6 Best Online Hearing Tests of 2025: Expert Reviewed- (National Council on Aging)

Symptoms - Hearing Loss Association of America- (Understanding symptoms of hearing loss)

Hearing Loss Association of America

Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Wisconsin Department of Health Services 

Independence First (Resources and services one-stop-shop.)