Is Asymmetric Hearing Loss a Risk Factor for Vestibular Dysfunction? Lesson From Big Data Analysis Based on the...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Vestibular dysfunction is a significant health concern, impacting balance and quality of life.
• Asymmetric hearing loss, characterized by differing hearing thresholds between ears, is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to neurological and sensory deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between asymmetric hearing loss and vestibular function in adults aged 40 years and older.
• To determine if specific patterns of hearing asymmetry are associated with a higher prevalence of vestibular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey.
• Assessment of vestibular function using the modified Romberg test and hearing thresholds via pure-tone audiometry.
• Statistical analysis included complex sample chi-square tests and logistic regression to identify associations.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of vestibular dysfunction was 3.3%.
• A 30-dB difference in hearing thresholds between ears was associated with a 3.067-fold increased odds of vestibular dysfunction.
• Low-frequency asymmetric hearing loss showed a significant association with a higher risk of equilibrium disturbance (OR, 2.148), while high-frequency asymmetry did not.

Conclusions:

• Low-frequency asymmetric hearing thresholds are linked to vestibular dysfunction in adults.
• Individuals diagnosed with asymmetric hearing loss require close monitoring for potential development of vestibular dysfunction and associated balance problems.