Hearing loss and falls: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Falls pose a significant health risk to older adults.
• Identifying modifiable risk factors for falls is crucial for public health.
• Hearing loss is a prevalent condition in older individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and evaluate the evidence linking hearing loss to an increased risk of falls in older adults.
• To conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the association between hearing loss and falls.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic search of multiple scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane) was conducted.
• Eligible studies were peer-reviewed and defined hearing loss, measuring falls through hospitalization records or validated self-report instruments.
• Data from twelve studies were pooled using meta-analysis to determine the overall odds ratio for falls in individuals with hearing loss.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis of twelve studies revealed that older adults with hearing loss had 2.39 times greater odds of falling.
• Sensitivity analyses, restricting to audiometrically defined hearing loss, showed a 69% increased odds of falling.
• Potential positive publication bias was noted, and limitations include the cross-sectional design and heterogeneity of included studies.

Conclusions:

• The published literature indicates a significant association between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls in older adults.
• Hearing loss should be considered a key modifiable risk factor for falls in the elderly.
• Findings should be considered alongside the potential for publication bias in this research area.