Dynamic postural control in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: a Computerised Dynamic Posturography study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) affects auditory nerve function, potentially impacting other sensory systems.
• Postural control relies on integrating visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information.
• The relationship between ANSD and balance deficits is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess postural control and sensory integration in adults with ANSD using Computerised Dynamic Posturography (CDP).
• To compare the CDP performance of individuals with ANSD to age- and gender-matched healthy subjects (HS).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional comparative study design was employed.
• Participants included 22 adults with ANSD and 22 HS, matched for age and gender.
• CDP assessments included the Sensory Organisation Test (SOT), Motor Control Test (MCT), Adaptation Test (ADT), Optokinetic (OKN) Test, and Fall Risk Evaluation.

Main Results:

• The ANSD group demonstrated significantly lower equilibrium scores across all SOT conditions and higher sway indices in the Fall Risk test.
• Impaired sensory integration and increased postural instability were observed in the ANSD group.
• Reduced adaptation in ADT, diminished amplitude scaling in MCT, and greater sway during OKN stimulation indicated abnormal sensory integration and visual-vestibular processing.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with ANSD exhibit significant deficits in postural stability and multisensory integration.
• These findings suggest ANSD can be considered an audio-vestibular neuropathy.
• CDP is a valuable tool for detecting subclinical balance dysfunction in ANSD and informing rehabilitation strategies.