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Hearing Loss and Falls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Brian Sheng Yep Yeo1, Vanessa Yee Jueen Tan2, Jia Hui Ng2
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
|March 20, 2025
Summary
Hearing loss (HL) is linked to a higher risk of falls in adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis confirms HL as a potential fall risk factor, highlighting the need for further research into treatment benefits for fall prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Falls are a major global health issue, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors for falls is crucial for public health.
- The association between hearing loss (HL) and falls is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing evidence on the impact of hearing loss on falls.
- To synthesize data from observational studies to assess the risk of falls in individuals with hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted.
- Observational studies with covariate-adjusted estimates were included.
- Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model for meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- 27 studies with over 5 million participants were analyzed.
- Hearing loss was associated with increased odds of falls (OR, 1.51) and longitudinal fall risk (RR, 1.17).
- Results remained significant across various subgroup and sensitivity analyses, with no publication bias detected.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss may be a significant risk factor for falls.
- Given the aging global population, addressing hearing loss could be a key strategy in fall prevention.
- Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to determine if treating hearing loss can reduce fall incidence.
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