How Hearing and Sound Affect Your Balance — And What It Means for Your Health

Did you know your ears do more than just help you hear? They also play a key role in helping you stay steady on your feet! Recent research shows that hearing loss can make it harder to keep your balance — and that treating hearing loss may help you stay safer and more confident.

Sounds Help Keep You Grounded

A major review of 28 studies involving over 700 people found that continuous background sounds, like white noise or gentle environmental sounds, helped people balance better — especially when they stood on unstable surfaces or had their eyes closed. In contrast, standing in complete silence or wearing noise-canceling headphones made it harder to stay steady. Researchers believe that sounds act as an “auditory anchor,” helping your brain create a mental map of your surroundings so you don’t lose your balance.

Hearing Loss Is Linked to Falls

A large study of adults aged 40–69 found that even mild hearing loss increased the risk of falling. For every 10 decibels of hearing loss, the risk of falling rose by 40%. This was true even after accounting for age, health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and other balance problems. That means hearing loss itself could make you more likely to fall.

Can Hearing Aids Help?

A major study called the ACHIEVE trial followed almost 1,000 older adults (ages 70–84) over three years to explore if hearing aids affect fall risk.

Everyone in the study had some degree of hearing loss but hadn’t yet started treatment. Half of the participants received hearing care—including hearing aids and personalized audiology support—while the other half received general health education.

The results were eye-opening: those who received hearing care had 27% fewer falls over three years compared to those who didn’t. That’s a big difference!

Why does this matter?

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears—it affects your balance, brain, and overall well-being. When hearing is clearer, your brain can better process your surroundings, which may help keep you steadier on your feet.

Curious about your hearing health? Book an appointment today. We’re here to help you hear—and live—your best.

References

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Goman, Adele M et al.

The Lancet Public Health, Volume 10, Issue 6, e492 - e502

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