Effect of Hearing Status on Visual Reliance During Postural Control Performance

Athletes who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH) have differing postural control performance differences compared with athletes who are hearing; however, no evidence exists regarding their reliance on visual information. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the visual reliance during postural control between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing. Athletes who are D/HoH ( n = 22) and athletes who are hearing ( n = 24) completed the traditional modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance tasks with the addition of a third visual condition using stroboscopic vision glasses. Independent t tests revealed sway velocity Romberg ratios for eyes closed/eyes open on firm, eyes closed/eyes open on foam ( p = .01), and stroboscopic vision/eyes open on foam were different between groups ( p < .05 for all). Sway area Romberg ratios were not different ( p > .05). Findings may allow health care professionals to gauge recovery from injury in athletes who are D/HoH.