In the heart of Arizona’s thriving communities of Glendale, Goodyear, and Surprise, Ascent Audiology stands tall as a beacon for holistic hearing healthcare.
Our dedication to this mission recently led us to delve into a crucial study, shedding light on the intricate relationship between hearing capabilities and an individual’s physical stability.
The Grave Concern: Falling among the Elderly
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a somber picture of the older adults’ safety landscape. Falls are accountable for causing a staggering 800,000+ hospitalizations and claiming more than 27,000 lives.
Such numbers don’t just represent statistics but real people – our parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors.
Unraveling the Connection: Hearing and Stability
The study conducted by esteemed researchers, Joseph Sakumura, Au.D. and Richard Gans, PhD, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, became an essential piece in understanding the puzzle of fall risks.
Surveying 599 individuals, this research underscored the interdependence of cognitive, vestibular, and auditory functions in determining one’s balance and stability.
Key Insights from the Research:
1. The Auditory-Cognitive Link:
One of the standout revelations was identifying hearing loss as a significant, modifiable risk factor that can lead to cognitive decline. The brain’s ability to process sounds, discern speech from noise, and maintain cognitive health becomes compromised with deteriorating hearing capabilities.
2. Postural Stability Concerns:
Alarmingly, individuals with even mild cognitive impairments, spanning from memory recall issues to compromised executive functions, were found to be 14 times more susceptible to reduced postural stability, heightening their risk of falls.
3. The Multiplier Effect of Hearing Loss:
The research also noted that those with a hearing loss are three times as susceptible to falls than those without any hearing issues.
Impacting Arizona’s Communities
For us at Ascent Audiology, this isn’t just data – it’s a call to action. These findings significantly inform our approach to audiological care in Glendale, Goodyear, and Surprise.
Understanding the broader implications, we emphasize the necessity of hearing care that transcends clear conversations and delves into comprehensive health and safety.
The Proactive Approach: Early Hearing Evaluations
These revelations underline the need for proactive hearing checks. Routine evaluations, previously seen as simple check-ups, now stand as vital preventative measures. The right intervention, timely hearing aid fittings, and continuous monitoring can play a pivotal role in ensuring not only crystal-clear hearing but also safeguarding individuals from potential falls.
Ascent Audiology’s Renewed Commitment
As the most trusted and highest-rated audiology experts in the region, our teams at Glendale, Goodyear, and Surprise are dedicated to ushering in a safer, more balanced future for our community members.
Whether it’s your first hearing evaluation or you’re seeking advanced hearing solutions, trust Ascent Audiology. We’re here to serve, inform, and champion a future where hearing health is synonymous with holistic well-being. Join us in this mission, and let’s create a safer community together.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing problems, contact us today or request a callback for peace of mind.
