It’s common knowledge that balance is important to help seniors avoid falls as the years go by. However, it might not be as widely known that balance and hearing are linked. That’s right. In addition to being vital for hearing, the ears are also crucial to maintaining balance. With the help of companion care at home providers, seniors can learn more about this link and what preventative measures they can take to safeguard both, resulting in improved health and safety.
The Inner Ear: A Center for Balance and Hearing
The cochlea, which is in charge of hearing, and the vestibular system, which aids in regulating balance, are the two primary parts of the inner ear. Three semicircular canals and two otolith organs—which sense head movement and spatial orientation—are part of the vestibular system. By informing the brain of the body’s spatial orientation, these structures support balance and coordination.
Age, trauma, or other issues can cause damage to the inner ear, which can then impact balance and hearing. For instance, presbycusis, an age-related hearing loss, frequently coexists with a deterioration in vestibular function, making seniors more vulnerable to falls and balance problems. In fact, studies have shown that seniors who suffer from hearing loss have about three times the risk of falling compared to those who have normal hearing.
The Effects of Hearing Loss on Balance
Hearing loss can directly affect seniors’ balance in a number of ways, including:
- Diminished Spatial Awareness: Seniors with hearing loss may have trouble recognizing sounds in their surroundings, such as traffic, footsteps, or conversations. This decrease in spatial awareness raises the possibility of losing balance since it makes it more difficult to judge distance, movement, and possible dangers. This can be quite frightening for seniors and their loved ones.
- Increased Cognitive Load: The brain is forced to work harder to process sounds and comprehend speech when hearing deteriorates. Unfortunately, falls may become more likely as a result of this increased cognitive load, as mental energy is taken away from maintaining balance.
- Impaired Vestibular Function: Loss of hearing may be a sign of underlying injury to the inner ear structures, which are important for balance. A weakened vestibular system can cause vertigo, dizziness, and an increased risk of falling.
Seniors’ Guide to Better Hearing and Balance
Frequent hearing screenings allow the medical team to observe any changes in seniors’ capacity to hear. For this reason, seniors should be encouraged to have their hearing evaluated on a regular basis. Companion care at home providers can assist with this, reminding seniors that early detection of hearing loss is the best way to improve balance and hearing.
Additionally, companion care at home professionals can remind seniors about their appointments and provide transportation when needed. Beyond regular hearing assessments, seniors might also try the following:
- Assistive Devices: Using assistive devices or hearing aids can help seniors who have lost their hearing regain auditory signals that are crucial for preserving balance and spatial awareness.
- Remain Active: Engaging in regular physical activity helps preserve the body’s strength and agility, both of which are essential for maintaining balance. Walking, swimming, and toga are examples of exercises that help improve balance.
Maintaining hearing health is essential for balance and general safety, as well as for helping seniors communicate with friends, family members, and others. With the help of companion care at home, seniors can gain an understanding of this link and what they can do to improve.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Buckeye, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care today. Call (623) 594-0819
Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care is a top provider of home care services in Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson, Phoenix, Youngtown, Surprise, and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://physioed.com/hearing-and-balance/
- https://www.betterhearing.org/newsroom/blogs/hearing-health-and-balance-whats-the-connection/
- https://www.hearinghealthassoc.com/hearing-health-associates-va-blog/the-link-between-hearing-loss-and-balance
- https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/seniors-hearing-loss/
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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