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Sensory integration, postural stability, and quality of life: a multidimensional assessment in adult hearing aid
Sevgi Kutlu1, Zehra Aydogan2, Banu Baş3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye. svg.kutlu@gmail.com.
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to multidimensionally evaluate sensory processing profiles, postural stability, and health-related quality of life in adult hearing aid users and to compare the findings with those of normal-hearing individuals.
Methods:
A total of 52 adults participated in the study, including 21 hearing aid users (mean age: 47.48 ± 10.55 years) and 31 age- and gender-matched normal-hearing individuals (mean age: 41.94 ± 10.89 years). Sensory processing was assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, postural stability was evaluated by computerized dynamic posturography, and quality of life was measured using the SF-36 Health Survey. Group comparisons and associations between variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results:
Hearing aid users demonstrated significantly lower scores in the Sensory Seeking, Taste/Smell Processing, and Activity Level subscales compared with normalhearing individuals. In the postural stability assessment, composite balance as well as visual and vestibular subsystem scores were significantly lower in the hearing loss group. Significant correlations were observed between selected sensory processing subdimensions and postural stability parameters. Regarding quality of life, hearing aid users showed significantly poorer Social Functioning scores, while the difference in Physical Functioning did not remain significant after multiple-comparison correction.
Conclusions:
Hearing loss appears to affect not only auditory function but also sensory processing, postural control, and aspects of quality of life. These findings support the need for a multidimensional approach in the clinical evaluation and rehabilitation of adult hearing aid users.
