Start 2025 in Balance
Healthy Hearing & Equilibrium: More Connected Than You Might Think
It’s easy to take balance for granted. As a fundamental ability, balance goes beyond simply standing. It can play a role in walking, running, dancing, playing sports, building self-confidence, adapting to various physical environments, supporting teamwork, and even fostering social connections.
On the flip side, however, poor balance can lead to falls, injury, reduced independence, and a host of other potential problems. It may also be a sign of underlying issues such as hearing loss, making it important to stay atop your hearing health. To help you put your best foot forward this year, we’re sharing some thoughts on getting your balance in high gear.
Learn more about healthy balance, including why hearing plays such an important part and what you can do to protect your footing for an empowering 2025.
Balance 101: What Keeps You Steady?
Equilibrium or balance is controlled by the body’s vestibular system, involving parts of the body such as the brain, eyes, inner-ear structures, skin, muscles, and more. The vestibular system helps keep you upright, coordinate movement, perceive motion, and control posture. It also works with crucial functions such as vision to help you make sense of your surroundings.
Symptoms of a vestibular disorder can vary per person. Some complaints may include dizziness; falling; vertigo; disequilibrium; spatial disorientation; hearing problems; tinnitus; or difficulty seeing. Research also links vestibular dysfunction to cognitive problems, such as trouble paying attention or remembering things.
Links Between Hearing & Balance
Because the vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear — for example, semicircular canals that aid in maintaining balance and detecting rotational head movement — it’s no wonder that the ears could affect both your hearing and equilibrium. Hearing loss may also hinder crucial cues the ears receive and use to aid in balance.
A critical public-health issue associated with hearing loss and balance? Falls. Among older adults, for example, researchers in a 2023-published study noted a 2.4 times higher risk of falls when hearing loss is in the picture. An unrelated investigation released in 2012 involving adults aged 40 to 69 found that even mild hearing loss could mean a tripled risk of falling.
Taking Charge of Your Balance
The good news? Prioritizing your hearing health this year may also help you stay steady on your feet.
A growing body of research connects improved hearing to a lower risk of falls. One investigation ties the use of hearing aids to a 13% reduced risk of fall-related injuries among older adults, reinforcing the technology’s potential dual benefits for hearing and safety. And the 2023-released study mentioned earlier found a 50% reduced risk of falling among hearing-aid wearers.
Some other important steps to help protect your balance in 2025 and beyond:
- Install motion-sensing night-lights around walking areas
- Secure any throw rugs to prevent shifting & use nonslip mats in bathrooms
- Turn lights on when entering a room, or ensure adequate natural lighting
- Mount handrails along stairs & in bathrooms
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Wear comfortable, quality footwear with a good grip
- Address any foot pain with expert medical help
- Check for uneven or cluttered surfaces before walking
- Schedule regular eye-care and other medical appointments for optimal function
Many balance problems can be successfully managed and even prevented. So don’t wait. If it’s been a while since your last hearing checkup or you’re experiencing hearing difficulties, ringing in the ears, or vestibular issues, Contact our team today. We’re HEAR to help you step into a safer, more balanced year!