Regular walkers who notice their speed has slowed might reasonably blame their knees. A new study suggests a different, and perhaps surprising, culprit: their ears. A study out of the University of Michigan of more than 57,000 iPhone users found that people with greater hearing loss tended to walk more slowly, reports the New York Times. The link shows up across ages but is strongest in those 60 and older, according to the study, conducted with Apple.
Researchers say several things could be going on: Struggling to hear can sap brain resources needed for balance and gait, inner-ear issues can affect steadiness, and people who know their hearing is poor may simply move more cautiously. "When you can't hear as well, your brain is working harder to hear—at the possible expense of your speed and gait," clinician Frank Lin tells the newspaper.
Walking speed is considered a key marker of overall health—sometimes called a "sixth vital sign"—because it requires the coordination of the brain, heart, lungs, and muscles, along with the body's vision and hearing systems, per a university release. The findings add to growing evidence that treating hearing loss may help people stay healthier longer. While past research shows hearing aids can slow cognitive decline and reduce falls, it's not yet clear if they directly boost walking speed. Experts recommend getting a baseline hearing test, monitoring gait over time, and talking to a doctor if both start to slip.
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