Steady Steps: A Guide to Safeguarding Against Falls in Everyday Life

The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself from falls in your everyday life. In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you maintain your balance, confidence, and safety—even in the face of hearing loss and balance issues.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Falling

Hearing loss is linked to the risk of falling for a couple reasons. When your hearing worsens, you become less aware of what’s happening around you. Every day, we hear a variety of background noises. And sometimes, we need to listen to them to figure out where we are spatially and avoid taking a fall.

When someone begins to lose their hearing, they may not be aware of all of the sounds around them. And without good spatial awareness, you’re more likely to miss a step, run into things, or lose your balance—which can cause a fall.

Also, your auditory system is closely connected to your vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance. Hearing loss can disrupt the way these systems work together, and you may experience symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, and susceptibility to falling.

Understanding Your Unique Risk of Falls

Before we dive into some of the ways you can protect yourself from falls in your everyday life, it’s important to understand your individual risk factors. The below factors can play a role in your risk of a fall.

Strategies for Fall Prevention

Empowering Yourself for Fall Prevention

Knowing that you’re at risk of falling can be scary. But arming yourself with the knowledge you need to mitigate the risk is empowering. Take note of the strategies above, and weave them into your day-to-day life routine. You’ll gain both confidence and equilibrium.