Do Hearing Aids Help with Balance?
- Hearing Solutions
- Oct 11, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Last Updated: March 2026
A Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis study discovered that improving hearing enhanced the balance of older persons with hearing loss. Subjects who used hearing aids scored better on balancing tests when their hearing aids were switched on vs when they were turned off in the research. Read more: Signia Hearing Aids with AI: How Smart Are They?
The outcomes were related to more than just increased alertness, according to the study's author. Timothy Hullar, MD, an otolaryngology professor, proposed that, similar to how we use sight to identify where we are in space (and sway more when it's dark or our eyes are closed), we use sound as "auditory reference points or landmarks to assist maintain balance." Balance might deteriorate when this is jeopardized. Read more: What Are the Price Ranges for Basic, Mid‑Range, and Premium
Following a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine study that linked hearing loss to a threefold increase in the chance of falling, the findings imply that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help lower the risk of falls in older adults.
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How Hearing Loss Affects Daily Life
Hearing loss impacts more than just the ability to hear sounds. It affects communication, relationships, work performance, mental health, and overall quality of life. In Pakistan, where family gatherings, busy markets, and social interactions are central to daily life, hearing loss can be especially isolating.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Pakistan
Cause | Type of Hearing Loss | Preventable? | Common in Pakistan? |
Aging (Presbycusis) | Sensorineural | Not fully — manageable with hearing aids | Very common (60+ age group) |
Noise Exposure | Sensorineural | Yes — use hearing protection | Very common (traffic, factories) |
Ear Infections (Otitis Media) | Conductive | Yes — treat infections early | Common in children |
Genetic Factors | Sensorineural or Mixed | No — but early detection helps | Moderate |
Ototoxic Medications | Sensorineural | Yes — discuss with doctor | Moderate |
Head Trauma | Conductive or Mixed | Yes — wear safety equipment | Less common |
Earwax Blockage | Conductive | Yes — professional ear cleaning | Very common |
Signs You Should Get a Hearing Test
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves, especially in group conversations
Turning up the TV or phone volume higher than others find comfortable
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings
Feeling that people are mumbling or speaking too softly
Avoiding social situations because of difficulty hearing
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing doorbells, phone ringtones, or car horns
Treatment Options Available in Pakistan
Treatment | Best For | Available at PHS | Effectiveness |
Hearing Aids | Most hearing loss types | Yes — full Signia range | Highly effective |
Ear Wax Removal | Conductive loss from wax | Yes | Immediate improvement |
Medical Treatment | Ear infections, conditions | Referral provided | Depends on condition |
Surgical Options | Specific conductive cases | Referral to ENT | Case-dependent |
Tinnitus Management | Ringing/buzzing in ears | Yes — Signia notch therapy | Significant relief |
Do Not Ignore Hearing Loss
Research shows that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, dementia, depression, social isolation, and increased fall risk. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it becomes for the brain to process speech. Early intervention with hearing aids preserves brain health and keeps you connected to the people and world around you.
If you or a family member shows signs of hearing loss, do not wait. Get a professional hearing assessment at Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111 or visit our Islamabad (Blue Area) or Rawalpindi (Saidpur Road) clinic.
How Hearing Loss Affects Daily Life
Hearing loss impacts more than just the ability to hear sounds. It affects communication, relationships, work performance, mental health, and overall quality of life. In Pakistan, where family gatherings, busy markets, and social interactions are central to daily life, hearing loss can be especially isolating.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Pakistan
Cause | Type of Hearing Loss | Preventable? | Common in Pakistan? |
Aging (Presbycusis) | Sensorineural | Not fully — manageable with hearing aids | Very common (60+ age group) |
Noise Exposure | Sensorineural | Yes — use hearing protection | Very common (traffic, factories) |
Ear Infections (Otitis Media) | Conductive | Yes — treat infections early | Common in children |
Genetic Factors | Sensorineural or Mixed | No — but early detection helps | Moderate |
Ototoxic Medications | Sensorineural | Yes — discuss with doctor | Moderate |
Head Trauma | Conductive or Mixed | Yes — wear safety equipment | Less common |
Earwax Blockage | Conductive | Yes — professional ear cleaning | Very common |
Signs You Should Get a Hearing Test
Frequently asking others to repeat themselves, especially in group conversations
Turning up the TV or phone volume higher than others find comfortable
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments like restaurants or family gatherings
Feeling that people are mumbling or speaking too softly
Avoiding social situations because of difficulty hearing
Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing doorbells, phone ringtones, or car horns
Treatment Options Available in Pakistan
Treatment | Best For | Available at PHS | Effectiveness |
Hearing Aids | Most hearing loss types | Yes — full Signia range | Highly effective |
Ear Wax Removal | Conductive loss from wax | Yes | Immediate improvement |
Medical Treatment | Ear infections, conditions | Referral provided | Depends on condition |
Surgical Options | Specific conductive cases | Referral to ENT | Case-dependent |
Tinnitus Management | Ringing/buzzing in ears | Yes — Signia notch therapy | Significant relief |
Do Not Ignore Hearing Loss
Research shows that untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, dementia, depression, social isolation, and increased fall risk. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it becomes for the brain to process speech. Early intervention with hearing aids preserves brain health and keeps you connected to the people and world around you.
If you or a family member shows signs of hearing loss, do not wait. Get a professional hearing assessment at Professional Hearing Solutions. Call 0332-5014111 or visit our Islamabad (Blue Area) or Rawalpindi (Saidpur Road) clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between digital and analog hearing aids?
Digital hearing aids use computer chips to process sound, offering features like noise reduction, Bluetooth, and programmable settings. Analog aids simply amplify all sounds equally. Digital aids provide far superior hearing experience.
Can I connect hearing aids to my smartphone?
Yes. Most modern Signia hearing aids from 16 channels and above offer Bluetooth connectivity. You can stream calls, music, and adjust settings through the Signia app on iPhone or Android.
What are rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids use built-in lithium-ion batteries that charge overnight and last all day. No need to buy or change tiny batteries. Signia offers several rechargeable models starting from Rs.250,000 per pair.
What is the difference between BTE, RIC, CIC, and IIC hearing aids?
BTE (Behind-The-Ear) sits behind the ear. RIC (Receiver-In-Canal) is slimmer with receiver in the ear. CIC (Completely-In-Canal) fits inside the ear canal. IIC (Invisible-In-Canal) is the smallest and completely invisible.
How do noise-canceling hearing aids work?
Modern hearing aids use directional microphones and AI algorithms to identify speech vs noise. They amplify speech while reducing background noise, making conversation clearer in noisy environments like restaurants or weddings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between digital and analog hearing aids?
Digital hearing aids use computer chips to process sound, offering features like noise reduction, Bluetooth, and programmable settings. Analog aids simply amplify all sounds equally. Digital aids provide far superior hearing experience.
Can I connect hearing aids to my smartphone?
Yes. Most modern Signia hearing aids from 16 channels and above offer Bluetooth connectivity. You can stream calls, music, and adjust settings through the Signia app on iPhone or Android.
What are rechargeable hearing aids?
Rechargeable hearing aids use built-in lithium-ion batteries that charge overnight and last all day. No need to buy or change tiny batteries. Signia offers several rechargeable models starting from Rs.250,000 per pair.
What is the difference between BTE, RIC, CIC, and IIC hearing aids?
BTE (Behind-The-Ear) sits behind the ear. RIC (Receiver-In-Canal) is slimmer with receiver in the ear. CIC (Completely-In-Canal) fits inside the ear canal. IIC (Invisible-In-Canal) is the smallest and completely invisible.
How do noise-canceling hearing aids work?
Modern hearing aids use directional microphones and AI algorithms to identify speech vs noise. They amplify speech while reducing background noise, making conversation clearer in noisy environments like restaurants or weddings.
Explore Our Services
Note: Prices may vary slightly due to market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and inflation. Contact Professional Hearing Solutions for the latest confirmed pricing.
Visit Professional Hearing Solutions
Islamabad Branch: Office B-9, Muhammad Gulistan Khan Plaza 82 East, Besides Tehzeeb Bakers, Fazl-ul-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Rawalpindi Branch: Office 5/6, Ground Floor, Siraj Plaza, Opposite Rasheed Nursing Home, Adjacent Gulzari Optics, Saidpur Road, Rawalpindi
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Phone/WhatsApp: 0332-5014111
Website: www.professionalhearingsolution.com
