Most people think of hearing loss as something that just affects conversations or makes the TV a little too loud. But there’s more to it. At The Hearing Aid Shop, we know untreated hearing loss can actually affect your balance — and raise your risk of falling.
There’s a little-known part of your inner ear called the vestibular system. It works with your brain to help you stay balanced, coordinated, and upright. When your hearing starts to go — especially from changes inside the inner ear — it can throw off this balance system.
The result? Feeling unsteady, dizzy, or unsure of your footing — and that can lead to more frequent falls.
According to research from Johns Hopkins, even mild hearing loss can triple your risk of falling. And the more hearing you lose, the more your risk goes up.
One reason? When your ears aren’t picking up on background sounds — like footsteps, traffic, or someone calling your name — it’s easier to miss warning signs that help you stay safe. Another reason is that your brain has to work extra hard to fill in the gaps, leaving less focus for things like balance and movement.
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears — it affects your confidence. Many people start to pull back from social activities, group events, or even going for walks, simply because it’s harder to hear or follow conversations.
Over time, that reduced activity can lead to weaker muscles, slower reflexes, and—yes—a higher risk of falls.
Have you found yourself reaching for furniture as you walk through the house? Do you feel a little off in crowds or busy places? If you’re feeling worn out after talking to people or struggling to keep up in noisy environments, it might be time to check your hearing.
The good news is today’s hearing aids are smarter than ever. Many come with motion sensors, directionally focused microphones, and even fall detection features that can alert someone if you need help.
But the real benefit? They take the pressure off your brain, letting you focus more on staying balanced and aware of what’s around you. Lots of our customers say they feel steadier, more confident, and more ready to get out and enjoy life again.
Falling doesn’t have to be part of getting older. Addressing hearing loss early can help you stay safer, more independent, and more in control of your life.
If you or someone you care about has been putting off a hearing test, now’s a great time to schedule one. It’s quick, easy, and could make all the difference.
Give us a call at The Hearing Aid Shop — we’ll help you stay on your feet and in the conversation.
Thomas Caruso is a second-generation, Nationally Board Certified Hearing Healthcare Dispensing Practitioner with over 40 years of experience serving patients in both New York and Pennsylvania. Specializing in adult hearing care, he earned his National Board Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences in 1988.
Throughout his distinguished career, Thomas has not only provided exceptional patient care but has also contributed to the advancement of the hearing healthcare field. He has served as an educator and consultant to many of the nation’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, retailers and laboratories, sharing his knowledge and expertise to help shape best practices within the profession. His work has taken him across the United States and Canada.
Born and raised in Jamestown, New York—where he continues to reside with his family—Thomas has been a dedicated member of the International Hearing Society since 1984 and is actively involved in the Hearing Healthcare Alliance of New York State. His commitment to the profession, combined with his decades of experience, has made him a trusted and respected leader in hearing healthcare.
