Audiologist Rebecca Younk Au.D discusses link between hearing loss and slower walking speeds
Study links hearing loss to slower walking speeds
Crystal Flintrop May 27, 2026
A new study from the University of Michigan and Apple is connecting hearing loss to walking speed
ONALASKA, Wis. (WXOW) – A new study from the University of Michigan and Apple is linking hearing loss to slower walking speeds, with local audiologists saying the findings reinforce how closely hearing is tied to overall awareness and mobility.
The study tracked thousands of Apple Watch users, comparing walking speed data with self-reported hearing loss. Researchers found people with greater hearing loss often walked slower, especially adults over the age of 60.
“They found was that two things impacted walking speed. Number one was age,” Onalaska Beltone Owner and Doctor of Audiology Rebecca Younk said. “I mean, as we age, our walking speed tends to decline, but what they found is degree of hearing loss impacted walking speed. Especially for individuals over the age of 60.”
Younk said the findings align with how hearing affects the brain’s ability to process surroundings and other information while moving.”Example, if you need to walk and have a conversation or walk and do a cognitive skill, that you actually slow down more if you have a hearing loss than if you have normal hearing,” Younk said. “That’s because your brain is being taxed and you really need to use other senses while you’re trying to process conversation. So, you slow down walking even more when you have a greater degree of hearing loss.”
Younk said hearing plays a larger role in mobility and awareness than many people realize. Differences in sound can help people recognize surfaces, surroundings and nearby movement while walking.
“If you’re not hearing well and you’re not hearing those differences between walking on pavement, walking on carpet, walking on gravel,” Younk said. “You’re going to need to use other senses like your vision to monitor how you’re walking and what speed you’re walking.”
She said repeated exposure to loud noise remains one of the leading causes of preventable hearing damage.