Influence of hearing on the vestibulospinal control in patients with device-based hearing rehabilitation

Introduction:

A prospective experimental study was designed to examine the sensomotoric interaction between hearing and balance in patients with hearing rehabilitation.

Methods:

The Unterberger- (Fukuda)- stepping test was performed by patients with device based hearing rehabilitation with frontal noise presentation (Fastl-noise) in the conditions bestaided and unaided in a soundproof, hypoechoic audiobooth. By means of ultrasound cranio-corpo-graphy, the distance of displacement, the angle of displacement and the angle of rotation were determined as endpoints. Furthermore, the subjective effect of hearing on balance was measured as well as directional hearing ability.

Results:

Unitl now, 18 patients (55.7 ± 10.5 years) with different hearing rehabilitation (CI bilateral: n = 3, CI or Bonebridge unilateral: n = 10, bimodal: n = 5 (VSB/CI, CI/hearing aid, VSB/hearing aid) were included in the running study. Comparision of mean values showed until now no significant difference in the endpoints between the conditions. A discrepancy was seen between the objective test results and subjective estimation. Directional hearing showed a significant reduction (p = 0.003) from 87.7 ° (unaided) to 55.4 ° (bestaided).

Conclusions:

In the endpoints, we could not see a significant difference between the conditions, which is partially contradictory to the subjective impressions. Here, directional hearing seems to play a special role in correcting mechanisms. Considering the still ongoing study, it remains to be seen if there will be significant differences after increased number of participants and subgroup analysis.

Dr. med. Ingmar Seiwerth

HNO-Universitätsklinik Halle,

Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120

Halle/S.

eMail: [e-mail]

Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
23. April 2019 (online)