The Beauty of Fall is Upon Us, but There's Another Kind of Fall that isn't so Pleasant.

Maintaining your hearing health is an important part of maintaining your overall health. Hearing loss is associated with not only a range of physical problems, such as falling, but also mental health problems, including social isolation and even dementia.

There are many important strategies older Americans can pursue to reduce their risk of falling, and we encourage all seniors and their loved ones to take note of the following tips to both maintain their hearing health and prevent falls.

• Have your hearing tested annually, and use hearing aids when recommended. Common signs of hearing loss include turning up the volume on the TV or radio to levels that others find too loud, having trouble hearing people on the phone, and difficulty following conversations in noisy environments

• “Fall proof” your home, where six out of 10 falls occur. Important steps to take include improving lighting, installing handrails and moving items to make them more accessible.

• Exercise regularly and incorporate balance, strength training and flexibility components. Check with local community or senior centers.

• Have your vision checked at least once a year, as poor vision can worsen your risk.

• Review your medicines with your health care provider – some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.

• Limit exposure to loud noises. People should limit their exposure to loud sounds, such as loud music, lawn mowers or motorcycles, to no more than 20 minutes at a time. When attending concerts or sporting events, consider wearing hearing protection.

By following the above tips, people live fuller, healthier lives. For more information, visit hihealthinnovations.com.