Understanding how hearing loss contributes to falls in older adults
Official title: Identifying mechanisms between hearing loss and falls
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11336320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke University study looks at why people with hearing loss may fall more, with the aim of guiding better ways to reduce falls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $624,534 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020440-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with hearing loss, especially those with a history of falls or at high risk for falling.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hearing loss or fall risk factors may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how hearing and balance issues, plus thinking and social factors, may explain why older adults with hearing loss are at higher risk of falling. Researchers will study vestibular function, how well people hear in real life (spatial hearing), listening effort, and related cognitive and psychosocial factors in older adults who have fallen and those who haven’t. The goal is to uncover big factors that link hearing loss to falls and to figure out how to target rehabilitation to reduce fall risk. The work will help tailor interventions to people with hearing impairment to keep them safer and more independent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to personalized rehabilitation strategies that reduce falls in older adults with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Past research has identified hearing loss as a risk factor for falls, and this study builds on those findings to explore underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riska, Kristal Mills — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Riska, Kristal Mills
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring the link between hearing loss and falls in older adults
This study is looking at how hearing loss might make older adults more likely to fall, and it wants to find out how things like balance and thinking skills play a role, so we can create better programs to help keep people safe and steady on their feet.
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Falls and brain changes in older adults who don’t yet show dementia
Researchers at Mayo Clinic will study why people over 65 fall, by looking at how brain and body systems work together during walking and thinking tasks.
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Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
Researchers are looking at whether hearing damage from loud noise speeds memory loss and dementia in people at risk for Alzheimer's.
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Lighting-centered home changes to prevent falls for people who are visually impaired
A study will test whether brighter, better-lit homes with fewer glare and clearer hazards reduce falls and help with daily tasks for people with vision loss.
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Audiological rehabilitation for children with unilateral hearing loss
A research project aims to help children who hear with one ear by testing ways to improve their hearing and communication through targeted audiology interventions.
-
New balance training to prevent falls in older adults
A new, low-cost balance training program for people 65 and older aims to reduce the chance of falls by improving fast recovery after a trip.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.