Postural stability: assessment of auditory input in normal hearing individuals and hearing aid users
Iman Ibrahim ORCID Icon, Sabrina Daniela da Silva ORCID Icon, Bernard Segal & Anthony Zeitouni ORCID Icon
Published online: 30 Jun 2019
Download citation  https://doi.org/10.1080/21695717.2019.1630983 

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Abstract
Purpose: Dizziness is the most common complaint of patients over 65 years consulting a physician. Presbyacusis affects 65% of Canadians aging 70–79. The inner ear is responsible for both hearing and postural stability. However, the interactions between auditory information and the maintenance of postural balance have not been widely studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effect of auditory input on postural stability for normal hearing subjects versus hearing-aid users.

Methods: The effect of auditory input on postural stability was assessed with and without earplugs in normal subjects, and in adult hearing users with and without hearing aids. Balance tests (Romberg on foam and Tandem stance) were performed in the presence of a point-source of noise in both groups.

Results: Normal individuals’ balance performance was not affected by the absence of auditory input. However, hearing aid users had significantly better balance with hearing aids on for the Romberg test (v = 36, p = .014), and for the Tandem test (v = 44, p = .012).

Conclusion: Auditory input does not seem to have an effect on postural stability in normal hearing individuals. However, hearing aid users had a significant improvement in the presence of an auditory input.

Keywords: Postural stability, auditory input, sound localization, hearing aids