Hearing Loss and Risk of Falls
Yonah Orlofsky, Au.D.,CCC-A FAAA • March 11, 2020
Hearing Loss and Risk of Falls
Did you know that according to the WHO, falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide? A study by Johns Hopkins school of medicine found an individual's risk of falling can triple due to untreated hearing loss. What is the possible link between hearing loss and risk of falls? There are a few possible explanations for this. One explanation is that individuals who have hearing loss are using a lot more of their mental capacity trying to strain and understand speech.
As such, they have less mental resources available to help them with balance. Alternatively, hearing loss causes people to be less aware of their external surroundings and therefore may not notice what is happening around them. Risk of falls is one of the many factors when hearing loss is left untreated. If you are noticing a hearing or balance issue, you should schedule an appointment for an evaluation today.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams in New Jersey essential for protecting long-term vision health. More than four million Americans are currently living with glaucoma, and many do not realize they have it. The condition damages the optic nerve, typically due to increased eye pressure, and often begins by affecting peripheral vision. Without early detection and treatment, this vision loss can become permanent. Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma? While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors can increase your risk, including: Being over the age of 60 Having a family history of glaucoma Belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds Living with diabetes or high eye pressure Understanding your personal risk and scheduling routine glaucoma screenings in New Jersey can make a meaningful difference in preserving your sight. The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams The most effective way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This exam allows your eye care provider to measure eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and check for subtle changes in your field of vision—often before symptoms appear. Book Your Glaucoma Screening in New Jersey At NJ Eye and Ear, our ophthalmology and optometry team provides personalized care using advanced diagnostic technology to help patients detect and manage glaucoma as early as possible. This January, take a proactive step toward protecting your vision. Book your glaucoma screening in New Jersey today and safeguard your sight for the future.









