The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Falls: Risk Factors, Prevention, and Clinical Strategies
Course: #41259Level: Intermediate 0.5 Hours 152 Reviews
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with one occurring every second in the United States. Research shows that even mild hearing loss triples the risk of falling, and this risk rises as hearing loss worsens. This course, featuring Dr. Patricia Gaffney and Dr. Dave Fabry, explores the relationship between untreated hearing loss and fall risk, the cognitive and physiological factors linking the two, and actionable strategies clinicians can implement in practice.
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Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to describe the relationship between hearing loss and increased fall risk, including contributing factors such as cognitive load and comorbidities.
- After this course, participants will be able to identify three key questions from the CDC STEADI protocol that clinicians can use to screen for fall risk.
- After this course, participants will be able to discuss how modern hearing technology, including fall detection and motion sensor integration, supports fall prevention.
- After this course, participants will be able to outline referral pathways and interdisciplinary strategies for patients at high risk for falls, including vestibular assessment and physical therapy.
Course created on October 16, 2025
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introductions |
| 5-15 Minutes | Falls and hearing loss |
| 15-20 Minutes | STEADI program |
| 20-30 Minutes | Starkey hearing aids and fall detection |
Reviews
152 ReviewsPresented By
Dave Fabry
PhD
As Chief Innovation Officer, Dave Fabry, Ph.D., leads end-to-end innovations within our clinical audiology department. His collaboration with our engineering and marketing teams allows Starkey Hearing Technologies to continue to design and provide superior products. Dave Fabry received his Ph.D. in hearing science from the University of Minnesota. Subsequently, he divided his career between academic/clinical roles at the Mayo Clinic, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the University of Miami Medical Center, and several industry positions. He served as President and Board Member of the American Academy of Audiology and was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the American Auditory Society. Additionally, Dave Fabry has served as Editor-in-Chief of Audiology Today since 2008 and is a past Editor of the American Journal of Audiology and Section Editor of Ear and Hearing. He is licensed as an Audiologist in Minnesota, Florida, and Rwanda. His 30+ years of industry experience and proven ability to implement forward-thinking concepts is instrumental in shaping the future innovations at Starkey Hearing Technologies.
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Patricia Gaffney
AuD
Patricia Gaffney, AuD has a bachelor's degree from The George Washington University in Washington, DC and earned her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. She joined the audiology department at Nova Southeastern University in 2007. Her specialty is vestibular diagnostics and treatment and amplification. She teaches didactically and clinically with the Nova Southeastern University AuD students. She is also adjunct faculty for the Bachelor of Health Science program and previously with the Speech-Language Pathology program. Prior to NSU, she worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami, FL. Professionally she has served as a member of the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors and the AudiologyNOW! convention chair in 2013.
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Financial: Dave Fabry is employed by Starkey Hearing and is a Cochlear Implant Advisory Board member. Non-financial: Dave Fabry has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Patricia Gaffney: Financial: Patricia Gaffney is employed by the audiology department at Nova Southeastern University and is an adjunct faculty member for the Bachelor of Health Science program. Non-financial: Patricia Gaffney has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by Starkey in partnership with AudiologyOnline.
Content Disclosure: This learning event focuses on Starkey products and services and will not include info on other products or services.
Course participation information
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American Academy of Audiology
AudiologyOnline is approved by the American Academy of Audiology to offer Academy CEUs for this activity. The program is worth a maximum of 0.05 AAA CEUs. Academy approval of this continuing education activity is based on course content only and does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedure, or adherence of the event to the Academy's Code of Ethics. Any views that are presented are those of the presenter/CE Provider and not necessarily of the American Academy of Audiology.
Australian College of Audiology incorporating HAASA
AudiologyOnline courses are approved for Continuing Professional Development points by the Australian College of Audiology incorporating HAASA. ACAud inc. HAASA Endorsement Number 2025127. This course is offered for 0.50 CPD points.
Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario
The Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners of Ontario (AHIP) represents and guide its members in their practice which include, the testing and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments and associated devices in the best interest of the hard of hearing of Ontario. Audiology Online is an approved provider of approved educational activities for AHIP Members. One hour of coursework equals 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).
American Speech-Language-Hearing Assn.
Intermediate Level
0.05 ASHA CEUs
British Academy of Audiology
This course has been accredited with 0.50 CPD point/s by the British Academy of Audiology.
Canadian Academy of Audiology
The Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) supports and assists its members in the attainment of continuing education towards an individual professional development plan as required by their Provincial Regulatory Colleges and Provincial Associations. Audiology Online is an approved provider of educational activities for CAA members. Each hour of activity may be counted as one Continuous Learning Activity Credit (or equivalent) as allowed by the applicable regulatory college or association.
California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board
International Association for Continuing Education and Training
continued, LLC, DBA AudiologyOnline, is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). continued complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, continued is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. continued, LLC, is authorized by IACET to offer 0.10 CEUs for this program.
International Hearing Society
This program is approved by the International Hearing Society and its educational committee, the International Institute for Hearing Instruments Studies. To learn more about earning IHS CE Credit, click here.
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Approved for 0.50 continuing education clock hours for Kansas licensed Audiologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Long-Term Sponsorship number LTS-S0035.
New Zealand Audiological Society
This course is offered for 1.00 Continuing Education points through the New Zealand Audiological Society.
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
Clinically certified members of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) can accumulate continuing education equivalents (CEEs) for their participation with AudiologyOnline. One hour of coursework equals 1 CEE. All SAC members are encouraged to participate in on-going education.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
AudiologyOnline is a registered provider for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Program (registration #142). This activity is offered for 0.50 contact hour(s). License holders may not receive more than 10 hours of continuing education credit per license term from online courses offered by registered continuing education providers. Virtual courses are not considered to be online courses. License holders may not receive more than 10 hours of continuing education credit per license term from in-person, online, or virtual courses offered by registered manufacturer continuing education providers.