Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center How Hearing Affects Balance If you're committed to staying active and independent as you age, chances are you've thought about balance-perhaps by strengthening your core, practicing yoga, or focusing on leg strength. But there's one critical aspect of balance that's often overlooked: your hearing. Yes, your hearing. Deep within the inner ear, a remarkable system is at work. In addition to allowing us to hear, the inner ear houses the semicircular canals-tiny, fluid-filled structures that sense head movement and help our brain maintain balance. Every time you turn your head-whether you're cooking, exercising, driving, or playing with your grandkids-your inner ear sends signals to your brain to help you stay steady. But when hearing declines, so too can balance. Research now shows that even mild hearing loss-as little as 25 decibels-can significantly increase your risk of falling. In fact, studies have found that individuals with this level of hearing loss are three times more likely to experience a fall, especially those between the ages of 40 and 69. This isn't just a concern for the elderly. Balance and hearing are deeply interconnected, and the impact of even subtle hearing changes can begin much earlier than most people expect. A major study from the University of Michigan reviewed data from nearly 115,000 older adults diagnosed with hearing loss. In just three years, 13% had suffered fall-related injuries- almost twice the rate of their peers ww Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter-Toalson, Au.D with normal hearing. These findings make one thing clear: taking care of your hearing is about more than just communication-it's about protecting your mobility, your safety, and your quality of life. At Northwest Speech and Hearing Center, we specialize in comprehensive hearing evaluations that go beyond just checking your hearing-they help you take proactive steps to protect your balance and reduce your risk of injury. If a hearing issue is detected, we offer a range of solutions, from hearing aids to customized treatment plans designed to fit your lifestyle and needs. Don't wait until a fall happens to take action. A simple hearing assessment could be a critical part of your long-term health and independence. Call us today at 847-392-2250 or visit www.nwhearing.com to schedule your consultation. Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd., Ste. 409 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-392-2250 Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center How Hearing Affects Balance If you're committed to staying active and independent as you age , chances are you've thought about balance - perhaps by strengthening your core , practicing yoga , or focusing on leg strength . But there's one critical aspect of balance that's often overlooked : your hearing . Yes , your hearing . Deep within the inner ear , a remarkable system is at work . In addition to allowing us to hear , the inner ear houses the semicircular canals - tiny , fluid - filled structures that sense head movement and help our brain maintain balance . Every time you turn your head - whether you're cooking , exercising , driving , or playing with your grandkids - your inner ear sends signals to your brain to help you stay steady . But when hearing declines , so too can balance . Research now shows that even mild hearing loss - as little as 25 decibels - can significantly increase your risk of falling . In fact , studies have found that individuals with this level of hearing loss are three times more likely to experience a fall , especially those between the ages of 40 and 69 . This isn't just a concern for the elderly . Balance and hearing are deeply interconnected , and the impact of even subtle hearing changes can begin much earlier than most people expect . A major study from the University of Michigan reviewed data from nearly 115,000 older adults diagnosed with hearing loss . In just three years , 13 % had suffered fall - related injuries- almost twice the rate of their peers ww Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter - Toalson , Au.D with normal hearing . These findings make one thing clear : taking care of your hearing is about more than just communication - it's about protecting your mobility , your safety , and your quality of life . At Northwest Speech and Hearing Center , we specialize in comprehensive hearing evaluations that go beyond just checking your hearing - they help you take proactive steps to protect your balance and reduce your risk of injury . If a hearing issue is detected , we offer a range of solutions , from hearing aids to customized treatment plans designed to fit your lifestyle and needs . Don't wait until a fall happens to take action . A simple hearing assessment could be a critical part of your long - term health and independence . Call us today at 847-392-2250 or visit www.nwhearing.com to schedule your consultation . Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd . , Ste . 409 Arlington Heights , IL 60005 847-392-2250