Did you know that the risk for accidental falls increases because of hearing loss?
Want to reduce the risk of accidental falling? Here’s a seemingly random and surprising thought: get a hearing test. Yes, it’s true: addressing hearing loss can contribute to a reduced risk of falling as you age. Crazy, right? A 2012 study showed that even mild hearing loss TRIPLED the risk of accidental falls. And for people over the age of 40, researchers showed that the risk increased by 140% for every 10 decibels of hearing loss.
No one wants to experience an accidental fall. It’s frightening, stressful, and potentially awkward. Keeping up strength, and protecting overall health and wellness can help prevent accidental falls.
Health and Wellness
It’s no secret that our body’s operational systems are connected with one another. Our physical health and wellness is kind of like our financial health and wellness. For example, one can pull up all bank accounts, savings accounts and credit cards by logging onto your chosen financial website, thereby giving you an overall picture of your financial health. (Except for that secret card you use to troll the Nordstrom website and shop their half yearly sale, right? Don’t worry, it’s our little secret.)
Accidental Falls and Hearing Health
And because are our body’s systems inter-connected, a health issue in one area can trigger an issue in another area. In addition to increasing the risk of accidental falls, did you know that hearing loss is connected to diabetes, dementia, multiple sclerosis, depression, and more health issues? Our bodies are amazing, and our body’s systems and functions connect seamlessly with one another.
Sure, accidental falls happen for a variety of reasons. Moreover, these falls often result in further injuries. As we age, these types of studies prove that we must protect our overall health and wellness with vigilance.
Get An Annual Hearing Test
Yes, you recognize this truth: our senses decline as we age. And, you probably remember to get a vision test each year. But, do you remember to get a hearing test each year? An annual hearing test should be your norm — not an afterthought if and when you remember. It should be part of your routine, like daily exercise, recording Game of Thrones, remembering to eat breakfast, taking your books back to the library on time, or reading the Wall Street Journal.
So, get an annual hearing test. There’s absolutely no reason not to get one, and lots of reasons to get one. First, the test and subsequent exam is free. All you need to do is call to schedule an appointment and remember to come. Second, getting an annual hearing test confirms your baseline hearing. You can see how you’re doing over the years, and if you’re experiencing any hearing loss or decline in your ability to hear. And finally, it’s fun! At Decibels Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, we are fun, hilarious, and ridiculously good looking people. We like to have a good time, and we want our patients to have a great time while they’re here.
So, call us today! We’d love to HEAR from you, get to know you, and help protect your general health and wellness so that you can live the life of your dreams in our beautiful, fabulous community!