Ask your audiologist...
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 10 years, 9 months AGO
Will someone with hearing loss have an increased risk of falling?
Yes, untreated hearing loss is one of many common reasons for taking a fall. The medical treatment for sensori-neural hearing loss (the most common kind for adults) is a hearing aid or aid(s). Hearing and balance are interconnected within the labyrinth of the inner ear (cochlea).
Some other common reasons someone over the age of 65 could take a fall are weakness from a sedentary lifestyle, medications that cause dizziness and poor vision. To decrease your chances of falling it is recommended that you wear your hearing aids if you have a hearing loss. Make sure you exercise and keep yourself strong. If you are unsteady on your feet make sure you use a cane, walker or wheelchair. If your doctor recommends that you use a cane, walker or wheelchair, follow their advice. Your doctor is trying to help you prevent a fall so that you do not injure yourself or end up in the hospital. Remove obstacles like throw rugs or anything that could make you trip. Have your annual eye test and wear your glasses so that you can see where you are walking. Do not try to walk around in the dark. Turn on the lights.
If you suspect a hearing or balance problem please have a hearing evaluation. Nearly 50 percent of individuals between the ages of 70-79 have hearing loss, yet only eight percent use hearing aids. I would rather have my patients wear their hearing aids than to risk a fall and break a hip!
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 15 years.
Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit our newly updated website www.affordablehearinginc.com for an online hearing test and helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.