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Updated: Aug 20, 2025

A Method to Study Adaptation to Left-Right Reversed Audition
Published on: October 29, 2018
The significance of right ear auditory processing to balance
Hanna Putter-Katz1, Niza Horev2,3, Erez Yaakobi4
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Professions, Ono Academic College, Zahal 104, Kiryat Ono, Israel. hputter@ono.ac.il.
Abstract:
Although the association between balance and hearing thresholds at different frequencies in the right/left ear is crucial, it has received scant empirical attention. Balance is widely ignored when evaluating hearing in adults. This study examined the relative contribution of left versus right ear hearing at different frequencies to balance, and the mediating role of suprathreshold speech perception on age-balance associations. Pure tone hearing thresholds (500-4000 Hz), suprathreshold speech perception, balance, and risk of falling were evaluated in 295 adults. The results indicate that the right ear contributes more to balance than the left ear. This might imply dominance of the left hemisphere in processing hearing cues for balance. Frequencies within the speech range (500/1000/2000 Hz) were correlated with balance and mediated the interaction between age and balance. These results should be considered when tailoring hearing and balance rehabilitation programs.
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