Hearing loss can make you more likely to fall

By Starkey Hearing on Sep 22, 2023

Today is Fall Prevention Awareness Day, which is why we’re spotlighting a fact that reinforces how important better hearing is to our personal safety—specifically when it comes to falling.

As it stands, accidental falls are a serious health threat, particularly as we age. According to the National Council on Aging:

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.

For older adults, accidental falls not only pose a significant health risk, but can also lead to the loss of independence. This can be caused by injury or even the fear of falling after a fall has occurred. (Sadly, this fear may prevent further participation in daily activities, which can weaken the body and increase the chances falling.)

How untreated hearing loss is linked to falls

So, how is untreated hearing loss—mild or otherwise—linked to falls? When we don’t hear well, we increase our risk of falls by 30 percent, research has shown.

Reasons may include less awareness over our surroundings caused by hearing loss. Plus, when the brain is overwhelmed by the demands of hearing loss, it may be less able to help with our balance and gait.

This is where treating hearing loss with hearing aids can be a game-changer when it comes to our safety and well-being.

Genesis AI—the first hearing aids with fall detection

While wearing hearing aids can help you maintain your safety and independence, did you know they can also potentially prevent a life-threatening situation if you do fall? It’s true: Starkey’s most recent hearing aids—including Genesis AI hearing aids—are the first and only hearing aids designed with fall detection—built-in sensors that can detect if or when you fall.

A text message alert is then sent to emergency contacts of your choice. This is easily made possible by pairing your Genesis AI hearing aids with the companion app, My Starkey.

That’s it—no separate dongle or outside service needed to monitor for falls.

Find out more about our Fall Alert feature by watching this bite-size Feature Attraction video:

Reduce your risk by treating hearing loss

So on this Fall Prevention Awareness Day, remove hearing loss as a risk factor by getting your hearing tested by a licensed hearing care professional (find one here) and treating any hearing loss you may have.

Or if you already have hearing aids and are concerned about falls, consider upgrading to Genesis AI. Either way, you can look forward to a future of hearing better and living better, too.