Vestibular function and balance performance in children with sensorineural hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Pediatric audiology
• Neuroscience
• Motor control

Background:

• Balance difficulties are prevalent in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
• Vestibular deficits can coexist with SNHL, further impairing postural control.
• Understanding these relationships is crucial for intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate vestibular function in children with SNHL.
• To assess functional balance and postural control in this population.
• To explore the correlation between vestibular impairment, balance, and postural control.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Peripheral vestibular function was quantified using vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and the video head impulse test.
• Functional balance was assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT), and postural control was evaluated using static posturography.

Main Results:

• Children with SNHL exhibited variable vestibular dysfunction and overall balance performance.
• Greater vestibular impairment correlated with poorer functional balance and postural control.
• Significant associations were found for BOT percentile rank, and posturography on compliant surfaces with eyes open and closed.

Conclusions:

• Vestibular dysfunction is a variable finding in children with SNHL.
• Vestibular impairment is a predictor of reduced functional balance and postural control abilities.
• Specific postural sway patterns are influenced by the degree of vestibular impairment.