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Effects of Unilateral Audio-Vestibular Insufficiency on Spatial Hearing
Arzu Kırbaç1, Büşra Kaynakoğlu2, Filiz Aslan3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Türkiye.
Summary
Adults with unilateral hearing loss and canal paresis (weakened vestibular function) in the same ear exhibit poorer spatial hearing. Increased hearing loss duration and vestibular involvement significantly reduce spatial hearing performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Vestibular Science
Background:
- Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and ipsilateral horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction can co-occur.
- Spatial hearing relies on integrated auditory and vestibular input.
- The impact of combined unilateral hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction on spatial hearing is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare spatial hearing performance in adults with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and ipsilateral canal paresis versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the correlation between the duration of hearing loss, the rate of canal paresis, and spatial hearing performance.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 20 adults with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and canal paresis (unilateral weakness ≥25%) and 25 healthy adults.
- Evaluations included pure tone audiometry, bithermal binaural air caloric testing, the Turkish Spatial Hearing Questionnaire (T-SHQ), and the Standardized Mini-Mental State Exam.
Main Results:
- Participants with unilateral hearing loss and canal paresis demonstrated significantly lower T-SHQ scores compared to controls.
- A significant negative correlation was found between the duration of hearing loss, the rate of canal paresis, and T-SHQ scores.
- Higher rates of canal paresis and longer hearing loss duration were associated with poorer spatial hearing performance.
Conclusions:
- Adults with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and concurrent ipsilateral canal paresis have diminished spatial hearing abilities.
- Both the duration of hearing loss and the severity of vestibular dysfunction negatively impact spatial hearing.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering combined auditory and vestibular function for spatial hearing assessment.
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