Many people assume hearing loss is just a minor inconvenience that affects how loudly the TV needs to be or makes it harder to follow conversations. But at SoundGate Hearing Clinic, we know hearing health goes far beyond communication. Untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of falls, especially as we age.
Most people don’t realize how closely tied our hearing is to our sense of balance. Deep within the inner ear lies the vestibular system, a critical part of the body responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This system constantly sends signals to the brain about your position and motion, helping you walk, turn, and stay upright without having to think about it.
When hearing declines—particularly when damage occurs in the inner ear—it can affect how well the vestibular system works. This can cause dizziness, imbalance, or a general sense of instability, all of which can raise your risk of falling.
Scientific research continues to highlight the strong connection between hearing loss and fall risk. A study from Johns Hopkins found that even a mild level of hearing loss can triple a person’s likelihood of experiencing a fall. The greater the degree of hearing loss, the higher the risk becomes.
Why does this happen? It’s both physical and cognitive. People with hearing loss may miss important audio cues in their environment—like someone approaching, a dog barking, or a warning shout. This lack of awareness can make everyday navigation more dangerous.
When your ears aren’t doing their job fully, your brain has to step in and work harder to interpret sounds. This extra mental effort comes at a cost. The brain must divert energy away from other crucial tasks, like maintaining balance and spatial awareness, to keep up with conversations.
Over time, this cognitive overload can impact physical coordination. It becomes especially noticeable in challenging environments like crowded rooms, dimly lit areas, or uneven terrain.
There’s also an emotional and lifestyle component. When hearing becomes a challenge, many people begin to withdraw from social or physical activities. They may stop attending fitness classes, walking clubs, or even simple outings with friends and family.
This decline in movement can lead to reduced muscle tone, slower reflexes, and diminished balance—all of which contribute to a higher fall risk.
Hearing-related balance issues don’t always show up in obvious ways. If you find yourself needing to hold onto furniture for support, feeling uneasy in crowds, or struggling to understand others without visual cues, your hearing may be part of the problem. Frequent fatigue after social interactions can also be a clue that your brain is working overtime to fill in the gaps.
The good news? Treating hearing loss with modern hearing aids can make a big difference. Today’s technology is smaller, more advanced, and more intuitive than ever before. Many devices now come with features like directional microphones, motion sensors, and even fall detection alerts that notify a caregiver in case of an emergency.
More importantly, hearing aids restore access to sound, lightening the cognitive load and allowing your brain to redirect attention back to balance, awareness, and safe movement.
Patients at SoundGate Hearing Clinic frequently tell us they feel more confident, steady, and engaged just weeks after beginning to wear their hearing aids.
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, but they don’t have to be inevitable. Prioritizing your hearing health is one of the most effective ways to protect your independence and mobility.
At SoundGate Hearing Clinic, we offer comprehensive hearing evaluations that not only assess how well you hear but also help uncover potential issues that could affect your balance and overall wellness.
If you’ve been delaying a hearing test—either for yourself or a loved one—now’s the time. It’s not just about hearing better. It’s about living more confidently, moving safely, and staying connected to the world around you.
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.