Auditory Input and Postural Control in Adults: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Auditory neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Human sensory systems

Background:

• Recent mechanistic studies explore the sound-balance association, but findings are equivocal.
• Auditory input's role in postural control is increasingly investigated, yet a clear consensus remains elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on auditory input and postural control.
• To synthesize findings regarding the effects of different sound stimuli and delivery methods on balance.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
• 28 English-language studies published up to October 31, 2019, were included, encompassing diverse populations and sound paradigms.
• Balance was assessed through sway quantification during various standing tasks with different auditory stimuli and apparatus.

Main Results:

• Stationary broadband sounds, like white noise, may enhance balance, particularly when delivered via speakers during difficult tasks.
• The impact of moving sounds varied, often being destabilizing with headphones or in individuals with vestibular/hearing loss.
• Results for stationary pure tones were inconclusive, and findings differed based on apparatus and sensory loss.

Conclusions:

• Stationary broadband noise can act as an auditory anchor for balance, especially in challenging conditions and when projected through speakers.
• Future research should investigate dynamic, ecologically valid sounds and include populations with sensory impairments.
• Clinicians should consider auditory cues and hearing status in balance and fall-risk assessments.