Studies on Hearing Loss & Injuries

If you have hearing loss, you will be familiar with the ways we use our hearing to orient to the surrounding world. Not only is it common to hear a sound that could be dangerous or problematic and to immediately avoid that thing—think of the sound of a projectile coming from behind—but we also use our hearing for subtle orientation to the world, as well. Although hearing specialists know these facts in principle, research has been needed to understand the connection between hearing loss and injuries. Fortunately, recent studies have been able to establish the statistical link between these two health risks. With information about their relationship, seeking hearing assistance might be a way to avoid injury, as well.

Hearing Difficulty and Personal Injury

In the May 2018 issue of JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, researchers at the University of California Irvine and the Harvard Medical School published the study “Self-reported Hearing Difficulty and Risk of Accidental Injury in US Adults, 2007 to 2015.” As the name suggests, this study tracked the percentage of people who suffered accidental injuries and their rates of hearing difficulty. A full 6.6 million Americans experienced an accidental injury of some kind during the 8-year span of this study, and among those people 1 out of 6 had some form of hearing difficulty. Furthermore, those who reported having “a lot of difficulty” with hearing had double the rate of accidental injury. Injuries related to work or leisure were particularly susceptible to hearing-related causes. With knowledge of this connection, we are curious to know more about the relationship between hearing loss and accidental injury.

Types of Injury and Hearing Loss

Personal accidents and injuries happen in many ways, and it is difficult to isolate the types of injuries that might have caused the results of this study. In one case, an elderly person who slips, falls, and breaks a hip in the home is said to have experienced an injury, but a child who skins her knee has experienced an injury of a kind, as well. For this reason, the severity of the injury should be studied with more precision to understand how hearing loss is related and what kind of injuries are the greatest risk. The study did demonstrate that injuries in the workplace were particularly highly related to hearing loss, so preventative measures need to be coordinated for the healthiest workplace possible. Not only do employers need to follow regulations regarding the use of hearing assistance such as hearing aids in the workplace, but they can also take steps to prevent hearing loss before it occurs through the use of protective equipment. These measures may even reduce the rates of injury in the workplace, creating a safer work environment for all involved. The other category of injury that was highly correlated with hearing loss were leisure-related injuries. During leisure activities, such as using recreational vehicles, engaging in sports, or outdoors activities, hearing is particularly useful to become aware of potential risks. Many people are hesitant to use hearing aids during these activities, so better education on the proper use of these devices can promote better adoption of hearing aids during leisure activities. Not all hearing aids are suited to exercise and moisture exposure, but many of the latest models are moisture resistant and able to withstand the risks of active use. Some unique models of hearing aids are even compatible with swimming and water sports, so be sure to consult with your hearing health professional if you are interested in this type of hearing aid for boating and other water sports.

Seeking Treatment for Hearing Loss

If you are concerned about your risk of injury, be sure to contact us to schedule a hearing test and to consult about potential hearing loss. The first step will be to get a hearing test and to have a consultation about your individual lifestyle. With this information in hand, we can recommend the right range of hearing aids that are suited to your needs, and many of these are compatible with your workplace and your favorite leisure activities. Taking these steps toward assistance might be able to help you prevent injuries both during your favorite activities, as well as at home.