Doctors and scientists have known for decades that the ears play a large role in our sense of balance. Our ears work together with our visual system as well as sensors in our joints and muscles to make up our balance system. As we move our head around, fluid inside of the cochlea in our inner ear also moves. The movement of this special fluid sends signals to our brains that help us to better understand where we are in space.
Although there has long been an understanding of the role of the ears in balance, little research has been conducted on the role of our sense of hearing on balance. Researchers out of the Washington University School of Medicine have recently published a study that investigates just that.
All About the Study
The point of this study was to understand whether or not the use of hearing aids had an impact on participants’ ability to balance.
The Washington University researchers enrolled 14 participants, both men and women who were aged 65-91 and experienced some degree of hearing loss. All 14 of the participants were also regular hearing aid users. The participants were given standard balance assessments both with their hearing aids switched on and also with them switched off.
The participants were all given two separate balance assessments, both while blindfolded. In the first test, participants were asked to stand on a thick foam pad for as long as possible. The second test was a bit more challenging. The participants were asked to stand on the floor with one foot in front of the other in a heel-to-toe position. Researchers measured how long each participant was able to stay in these positions before moving their hands or feet, or needing help with their balance.
Results of the Study
The results of the study were quite significant, even though there were only a very few participants. For the foam test, participants were able to successfully complete this test for 17 seconds on average with their hearing aids turned off, and 26 seconds on average with their hearing aids turned on. On the more difficult heel-to-toe assessments, participants were able to successfully complete this for 5 seconds on average with the hearing aids turned off and 10 seconds on average with the hearing aids turned on.
In order to help the research to be more random, some participants were asked to first compete these assessments with their hearing aids on and others were asked to first complete them with their hearing aids off. Whether it was their first or second time trying the assessment, participants were more successful on these balance tasks while using their hearing aids.
Implications of the Study
These research findings are important because they outline the potentially positive impact hearing aids could have on balance in older adults. Professor Hullar, one of the lead researchers on this study stated, “This is a small study … Obviously it needs to be repeated in a much larger study, and we’re seeking funding to do that.”
Why is Balance Important?
Balance is extremely important for completing even the simplest of daily activities. Especially for older adults, who are at a higher risk of experiencing slips and falls that result in serious injury or death. In fact, in the United States an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 11 seconds and an older American dies from a fall every 19 minutes. It is imperative that we take whatever steps necessary to help reduce the risk of falling for all of our loved ones, especially those who are older.
Many Americans live in fear of falling, and thus highly limit their activities, including limiting their social outings and interactions. This can unfortunately lead to depression and social isolation, which can further increase the risk of cognitive decline and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss and Balance
If you or someone you love is struggling with balance issues or early signs of hearing loss, feel free to reach out to our friendly team at Hearing Wellness Solutions to schedule a consultation.
