Advances in Falls in the Elderly with Hearing Loss

Abstract

The incidence of hearing loss among the elderly is increasing along with the acceleration of global aging. Hearing loss can limit the ability of the elderly to monitor and perceive auditory cues for spatial orientation, resulting in confusion of orientation and increasing the risk of falls. Based on the review of the latest relevant studies, we introduced the epidemiological characteristics of falls in the elderly with hearing loss, described the pathogenesis (including neuropathological mechanism, sensory deprivation mechanism and physical mechanism), summarized the influencing factors (including age, gender, degree of hearing loss, nature of hearing loss, gait performance, and the use of hearing aids), and put forward strategies for the prevention and treatment of falls. We found that the incidence of falls is increasing in the elderly with hearing loss, and its risk grows with the aggravation of hearing loss, age, aging-related hormonal changes (especially in elderly women), the decline in balancing ability and negative emotions. To reduce the incidence of falls to ensure quality of life and safety in elderly people with hearing loss, it is suggested to prevent or treat falls in this group by the use of hearing aids and auditory rehabilitation training, drug therapy, balance assessment and physical exercise, and psychological intervention.

Keywords

• aged|hearing disorders|hearing loss|fall|health services for the aged|review