Did You Know? Hearing Loss Could Increase Your Risk of Falling.

In the last five years, 4 Bridges Audiology owner, Dr. Courtney Guthrie, has continued to add services to become the most comprehensive audiology practice in the Chattanooga area. “The addition of evaluations for dizziness, balance issues, and vertigo has been the most beneficial to our patients. Prior to us starting this two years ago, patients had to drive to Knoxville or Nashville to get this type of test. It is a service that Chattanooga has needed for a long time,” said Dr. Guthrie. Dr. Dana Notaro joined 4 Bridges Audiology in May as the practice’s Vestibular Audiologist, focusing on helping patients find the relief they need from dizziness or vertigo and preventing fall related injuries.

“Most people do not realize that hearing loss isn’t just about missing out on conversations or not hearing your favorite shows. It could be affecting your balance, too. Untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of falls, especially as we get older,” said Dr. Notaro.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older will experience a fall each year. That's a huge number! And with hearing loss, your risk of falling increases significantly. Untreated hearing loss can raise that risk by up to 300%.

It’s more common than you might think, too—about 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have some degree of hearing loss. And even if your hearing loss is mild, research shows that it can make you 40% more likely to fall. The severity of hearing loss only makes this risk grow.

But here’s the good news: we can do something about it.

4 Bridges Audiology and Safe-T Team Up to Help You Stay Safe

“At 4 Bridges Audiology, we’re working with Safe-T to address the increasing number of fall-related injuries here in the Chattanooga area. Together, we’re introducing a brand-new balance screening board, called BTrackS, that helps us assess your fall risk and vestibular health (that’s the system in your inner ear responsible for balance),” said Dr. Notaro.

This new screening is a game-changer because it looks at both your hearing and your balance, giving us a clearer picture of how your overall health could impact your risk of falling. With this screening, we can spot any potential issues before they lead to a dangerous fall and offer personalized advice to improve your safety.

Why Does Hearing Loss Affect Your Balance?

So why is hearing loss connected to balance problems? Your inner ear does double duty, it’s responsible for both hearing and helping you stay balanced. The part of your inner ear that processes sound also helps your brain understand your position in space, which is crucial for staying steady on your feet. When you lose some of your hearing, that system can get thrown off, making it harder to maintain stability, especially when walking or navigating uneven terrain.

When hearing loss and balance issues go hand in hand, the risk of falls goes way up. For older adults, falls can lead to serious injuries like fractures or head trauma, which can seriously affect your quality of life. The CDC reports that falls cause over 800,000 hospitalizations every year in the U.S., with hip fractures and head injuries being the most common and often with the most severe outcomes.

How Can Fixing Hearing Loss Help You Stay Balanced?

The great news is that addressing hearing loss can significantly improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling. A study published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that individuals who wore properly fitted hearing aids were less likely to fall compared to those who didn’t use hearing aids.

“Using hearing aids isn’t just about hearing better, it helps your brain process sound and balance signals more effectively. That means you’re more aware of your surroundings, which helps you stay balanced and steady on your feet. When you hear better, you’re less likely to be caught off guard by something in your environment, whether it’s a car coming or a change in the ground under your feet,” said Dr. Notaro.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

So, what can you do to protect yourself? The key is to be proactive about your health, especially when it comes to both hearing and balance.

“If you’re concerned about your fall risk, our new balance screening services at 4 Bridges Audiology can give you a solid understanding of your balance and how your hearing might be affecting it. With this screening, we can work with you to create a plan to reduce your fall risk and improve your overall health,” said Dr. Guthrie.

Don’t wait until a fall happens to take action. Now’s the time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe.

For more information or to schedule a balance screening, call 4 Bridges Audiology at 423-521-3277, or check out our website at 4bridgesaudiology.com. We’re here to help make Chattanooga a safer place for everyone!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Falls among older adults: An overview. Retrieved from CDC.gov

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2020). Age-related hearing loss. Retrieved from NIDCD.gov

Lin, F. R., Ferrucci, L., & Metter, E. J. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(4), 340-343.

American Academy of Audiology. (2021). Hearing loss and its impact on balance. Retrieved from audiology.org

Chien, W., & Lin, F. R. (2012). Hearing aids and falls in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(4), 698-700.

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Understanding Vestibular Testing and Dizziness Awareness

By Dr. Notaro • October 9, 2024

Dana Notaro, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA As we celebrate Audiology Awareness Month, it's essential to focus not only on hearing health but also on the often-overlooked aspect of balance: the vestibular system. Many people are unaware that dizziness can be related to issues in this system, which is crucial for maintaining our balance and spatial orientation. Let’s dive into what vestibular testing involves and why awareness of dizziness is so important for your overall health. What Is the Vestibular System? The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a vital role in helping us maintain our balance and navigate our environment. It works closely with our visual and proprioceptive systems to keep us oriented. When this system is functioning properly, we can move around confidently. However, issues in the vestibular system can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Common Causes of Dizziness Dizziness can arise from various factors, including: Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis. Inner Ear Infections: These can disrupt balance and cause feelings of dizziness. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can impact your balance and cause dizziness. Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as migraines or multiple sclerosis can also affect the vestibular system. Why Is Dizziness Awareness Important? Being aware of dizziness is crucial for several reasons: Quality of Life: Chronic dizziness can severely impact your daily activities, work, and social interactions. Safety: Dizziness can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms can help prevent injuries. Underlying Conditions: Dizziness can be a symptom of underlying health issues that may require treatment. Early detection can lead to better management. What to Expect During Vestibular Testing If you're experiencing dizziness, your audiologist may recommend vestibular testing to evaluate your balance system. Here’s what you can expect: Comprehensive Assessment: Your audiologist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they occur and their severity. Balance Tests: You may undergo various tests, such as: Electrophysiology Testing: This involves measuring the electrical activity in the vestibular system to assess how well each pathway is functioning, helping to identify any abnormalities. Videonystagmography (VNG): This test measures eye movements to assess the vestibular system's function in different scenarios. Rotary Chair Testing: This evaluates how your vestibular system responds to rotational movements, providing insight into how well your balance system is functioning. Caloric Testing: This test uses warm and cold air in your ears to see how well your vestibular system is working in each ear separately. Vestibular Head Impulse Test (vHIT): This checks how well your eyes and head work together during quick movements by isolating each of your 6 semicircular canals. Results and Recommendations: Based on the tests, your audiologist will discuss the results and develop a tailored plan to address your symptoms. This may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, lifestyle changes, or referral to a specialist. Tips for Managing Dizziness If you’re experiencing dizziness, here are a few tips to help manage it: Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so drink plenty of water. Limit Sudden Movements: Stand up slowly and avoid rapid head movements to minimize dizziness. Practice Balance Exercises: Simple exercises can strengthen your balance and coordination. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your audiologist if you have concerns about dizziness. This Audiology Awareness Month let’s not overlook the significance of our vestibular system. Awareness of dizziness and understanding the importance of vestibular testing can empower you to take control of your balance and overall health. If you or someone you know is experiencing dizziness, schedule an appointment with your audiologist to discuss your symptoms and explore your options. Together, we can work towards a safer, more balanced future!

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Hearing Aid Wearers

March 12, 2024

Are you planning to take a vacation soon? Traveling with hearing aids can present a few unique challenges, but with proper preparation and a few handy tips from me, your favorite audiologist, you’ll have no problem enjoying your trip to the fullest.

AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS & COGNITIVE DECLINE

September 22, 2023

Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing.