How Hearing Loss Impacts Balance

By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A

For decades I’ve been teaching people with hearing loss how their balance can be affected, especially when their hearing loss has gone untreated.

But how exactly does hearing loss impact your balance?

Please keep in mind today and everyday that the #1 way to prevent hearing loss is to treat it ASAP! For more information regarding all things related to hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes, and dementia, please visit us as www.excellenceinaudiology.org.

Most people think of hearing loss as just that—a loss of sound. But did you know that hearing loss can also affect your balance? If you're someone who’s noticed more than a little unsteadiness lately, and you’re also dealing with hearing issues, the two might be more connected than you think.

Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do about it.

The Link Between Ears and Balance

As you know, treating hearing loss is my passion, and I believe that our ears are pretty incredible. They are responsible for much more than just hearing the world around us. Inside your inner ear, there’s a system called the vestibular system, which is like your body’s internal GPS for balance. It helps your brain keep track of your movements, telling it where your body is in space.

When you lose hearing, especially in the inner ear, that system can get thrown off. It’s kind of like losing a key part of your balance toolkit. Even mild hearing loss can lead to feeling off-kilter, dizzy, or more prone to falls.

You might be wondering, “How does not hearing sounds make me lose balance?” Good question! It’s not just about the sounds you’re missing—it’s more about how your brain processes sensory information.

When one sense (like hearing) starts to weaken, the brain tries to rely more on your other senses to keep you balanced. But this extra work can cause confusion. Your brain might struggle to integrate the information from your eyes, inner ear, and other parts of your body. This can result in:

• Dizziness or vertigo: If your inner ear is compromised, you might feel dizzy or like the room is spinning.

• Increased risk of falls: Losing the hearing-related signals that help with balance can make you feel unsteady, raising your risk of tripping or falling.
• Slower reaction times: When you can’t hear as well, your brain might take longer to react to changes in your surroundings, like a sudden movement or shift in ground surface.

Age-Related Hearing Loss and Balance

As we age, both hearing and balance can naturally decline. Many people over 65 deal with hearing loss, and they are also at a higher risk of falls. Research shows that people with hearing loss are almost three times more likely to experience a fall, even if they only have mild hearing impairment.

This isn’t just a coincidence—when you lose some of your hearing, your brain must work harder to balance and understand your surroundings. This cognitive overload can slow down your reflexes, making it harder to catch yourself if you start to trip.

What Can You Do About It?

Now that you know hearing loss can impact balance, what can you do? Luckily, there are solutions to help maintain your stability:

1. Hearing aids: These devices not only improve your ability to hear but can also help with balance by keeping your inner ear and brain’s communication in check. Some studies even show that hearing aids can help reduce the risk of falls.
2. Balance training: Exercises that focus on strengthening your core and improving your balance can make a big difference. Simple activities like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe can help. Please visit Our Team – Preventing Decline to learn more about Kevin Weston, our exercise physiologist.
3. Visit a specialist: If you're noticing balance problems, seeing an audiologist or ENT specialist is a smart move. They can test your hearing and balance to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
4. Take care of your overall health: Keeping your body strong and healthy by staying active, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can also help keep your balance in check.

Hearing loss is more than just an issue of sound—it can affect your whole body, including your balance. If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing difficulties along with balance problems, it's important to take action. With the right treatment and support, you can regain stability and enjoy life with more confidence.

Don’t ignore the signs—listen to your body (and your ears)!

Today and every day, I am dedicated to changing the landscape of hearing healthcare, dementia, and improving the lives of countless individuals who live with tinnitus. Please visit www.askdrdarrow.com for questions and/or concerns.