Balance is essential for daily activities, motor development, and overall well-being. The vestibular system plays a key role in balance control, and impairments associated with hearing loss may negatively affect balance in children. However, balance assessment is not routinely performed in children with hearing impairment. This study assessed static and dynamic balance performance and associated factors among children with and without hearing impairment in selected public schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to June 2024 among 148 schoolchildren aged 7–18 years (74 with hearing impairment and 74 sex-matched peers with normal hearing). Balance performance was evaluated using the single-leg stance test (eyes open and closed), functional reach test, and Pediatric Balance Scale. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analyses in SPSS version 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Children with hearing impairment scored significantly lower than their normal-hearing peers in the single-leg stance (eyes open and closed), functional reach test, and pediatric balance scale (all p < 0.001). When analyzed by sex, males with hearing impairments had significantly lower scores in single-leg stance (eyes open and closed, p < 0.001), functional reach test ( p < 0.002), and pediatric balance scale ( p < 0.001) compared to males with normal hearing. Similarly, females with hearing impairments demonstrated significantly lower scores in single-leg stance (eyes open and closed, p < 0.001), functional reach test ( p < 0.003), and pediatric balance scale ( p < 0.001) compared to females with normal hearing. Children with hearing impairment demonstrated significantly lower static and dynamic balance performance than age- and sex-matched peers with normal hearing. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating routine balance assessment in this population.
Ayalsew et al. (Tue,) studied this question.