Link between risk of falling and hearing loss
Considering that the majority of falls result in a bone fracture and a period of hospitalization, it is clear that this will have an impact on the life of the elderly person and cause a loss of autonomy.
Other worrying fact: The risk of death is also greater among people who have fallen in the last year and even more among people who have broken their hip while falling.
Why does the elderly person fall?
The causes of falls are numerous. On an individual level, falls can be caused by taking medications, loss of muscle strength in the legs, loss of vision, low blood pressure, poor nutrition and/or hydration, etc.
According to the environment, the person can fall when getting out of bed, on ice, on the stairs, by tripping their feet on a carpet, because of ill-fitting shoes, etc.
Few people know that hearing loss and vestibular problems can also increase the risk of falls.
Did you know that?
The audiologist not only evaluates hearing, but also the vestibular system?
Indeed, the audiologist, one of the experts of the ear, is interested in your balance and is therefore a key player in managing your risk of falling and your dizziness.
An example of a problem in the vestibular system of the inner ear is BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). This type of vertigo is more common in older people and increase their risk of falls.
BPPV is caused by the detachment of “crystals” (otoliths) in the inner ear. When the “crystals” are detached, they move freely when the head moves and cause rotational vertigo (a spinning sensation) in the affected person.
This dizziness is very short-lived, lasting a few seconds to a few minutes, but can greatly affect balance. If relevant, treatment of BPPV by the audiologist or another health professional will help the elderly person to be less at risk of falling.
If you or someone you know is worried about falling, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an audiologist.
BY David Sarrazin, Audiologist, Polyclinique de l’Oreille