Fall’s Risks

Falls remain the leading cause of injury and hospitalization in Canadian seniors. They are therefore a major public concern. While all people who fall are at risk of injury, the age and health of the individual can sometimes predict the extent of the type and severity of injury.

Recently research has indicated that individuals over 40 years old who suffer from hearing loss, no matter how mild, are nearly three times more at risks of falling than those individuals who do not have a hearing loss. The risk of falling increases with more significant hearing loss. The relationship between hearing loss and risks of falls could be explained by the anatomical proximity of the auditory and vestibular systems in the brain. Decreased hearing may also limit access to auditory cues needed for environmental awareness and cognitive awareness, both of each play a role in maintaining balance.

Fall's Risk Evaluation

At AudioSense, our Fall’s risks assessments include a hearing assessment as we know that when there is a hearing loss present, treating the hearing loss with hearing aids will provide appropriate auditory feedback to the brain and the balance system which can help to maintain balance. Our Fall’s risk assessments also include bedside balance screening to determine whether a referral to a physiotherapist or a visual therapist may be appropriate as a fall’s prevention strategy.

Thai-Chi at YogiChi

AudioSense also offers Thai-Chi classes, which were specifically developed to promote good balance, posture, stability and flexibility to reduce the risks of falls. Thai-Chi is a gently form of exercise also known as “moving meditation”. The slow, gentle and flowing motions of tai-chi can train your body to shift its weight and teach you to feel your feet, while breathing deeply. This offers a host of health benefits including improving mobility, balance and preventing falls.

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