Hearing loss and increased gait variability among older adults

The influence of age-related hearing loss on slow gait has been suggested; however, whether it is associated with increased gait variability, an important predictor of fall risk, remains unclear.

Is poor auditory acuity associated with increased gait variability, and does this gait change relate to accidental falls among older adults with hearing loss?

We studied 107 older adults (mean age, 76.5 years; 80.5 % women). Auditory acuity was measured using a pure tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds for 0.5-4 kHz tones in the better-hearing ear. Hearing loss was defined as a PTA of >25 dB. Gait speed and spatiotemporal variability (i.e., stride length and time variabilities) were assessed using a 5-m electronic walkway. We also assessed the occurrence of multiple falls within the previous year.

Fifty-two participants (48.6 %) experienced hearing loss. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for potential covariates showed that poor PTA was associated with slower gait speed and stride length variability, but not stride time variability. Among older adults with hearing loss, fall occurrence was associated with an increased stride length variability and not a slow gait or increased stride time variability.

The association between hearing loss and increased gait variability observed in the present study suggests that age-related hearing loss can jeopardize gait control during daily activities. This leads to increased gait variability and increased risk of accidental falls. Our results provide additional information on how age-related hearing loss increases the risk of falls.