Preliminary Findings of the Relationship between Hearing Loss, Vestibular Function, and Postural Stability in Older Adults

Background: Current research suggests that there is a relationship between hearing loss (HL) and falls, but the mechanism behind the relationship is unclear. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between HL, vestibular function, postural stability, and fall risk among older adults without HL and those with moderate-to-severe HL. Research Design: Cross-sectional study. Study Sample: Thirty adults between 60 and 79 years of age with a range of hearing sensitivity (no HL to moderate-to-severe HL) were enrolled. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed comprehensive audiological, vestibular, balance, and gait assessments. Participants were categorized into two groups (no or mild HL vs. moderate-to-severe HL) based on the high-frequency pure-tone average of the better ear. To determine group differences, analysis of covariance models to adjust for age were used. To determine associations between hearing and vestibular function with falls and tests of balance and gait, bivariate Spearman correlations were completed. Results: No significant group differences in composite measures of vestibular function, including video head impulse testing, and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, were observed. A significant group difference in cervical VEMP interpretation was observed. No significant group differences in measures of balance and gait, including fall history, were observed. Fair correlations were noted between hearing groups and the angle of deviation of the triangle completion test, ocular VEMP (oVEMP) interpretation, fall history, oVEMP interpretation, and sensory organization test results. Conclusion: In healthy, active older adults, HL does not appear to impact postural stability and the fall risk. Clinical Relevance Statement: These findings add to our understanding of the potential relationship between HL and falls.