Audiologists’ Role in Assessing Risk of Falls

Abstract

Falls are a significant problem for older individuals and a growing medical concern with the projected increase in individuals over the age of 65. Falls can result in serious consequences such injury or death; however, residual psychological effects include reduction in independence and emotional well-being. Audiologists may be at a unique position given the relatively high number of falls reported in the audiology clinic and must be alert to possible risk factors for falls and aware of the resources available to help our patients on a path to prevention. Audiological risk factors and fall risk screening tools are discussed. Falls are multi-faceted and require a multi-disciplinary approach to assessment, management, and prevention; audiologists can provide unique clinical recommendations and expertise to reduce falling risk. A movement of our profession towards better understanding of falling risk factors, and initiating research aimed at identifying sensitive and specific time efficient measures to incorporate into any audiology practice, are necessary steps to putting our patients on the path to fall prevention.