*A study of 57,000+ iPhone users found a link between hearing loss and slower walking speed.
*Hearing loss has also been linked to dementia, depression, loneliness, and falls.
*Treating hearing issues may help people live healthier and possibly longer lives.
*One theory: when hearing is poor, the brain works harder to listen, which may affect gait and speed.
*Inner-ear problems can also affect balance, making people walk more cautiously.
*Walking speed is considered a strong marker of overall health, sometimes called the “sixth vital sign.”
*The Apple study used real-world walking-speed data from phones, not just lab measurements.
*The link between hearing loss and slower walking was strongest in people age 60 and older.
*Experts recommend getting a baseline hearing test, even before obvious symptoms.
*Track walking speed over several months, because a steady decline may signal a health issue.
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