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Does Chronic Neck Pain Matter? Auditory Function in Individuals With Forward Head Posture: An Exploratory
Kaan Tuğberk Özdemir1, Emre Söylemez2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Medicana International Izmir Hospital, Izmir, Türkiye.
Brain and Behavior
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Forward head posture (FHP) with neck pain is linked to increased subjective hearing issues and tinnitus. Objective hearing measures were similar across groups, emphasizing the impact of neck pain on auditory perception.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Physical Therapy
- Neurology
Background:
- Cervical pathologies and neck pain may influence auditory function.
- Auditory function in individuals with forward head posture (FHP) requires further investigation.
- This study examines auditory thresholds, self-reported difficulties, central auditory processing, tinnitus, and hyperacusis in FHP individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hearing thresholds, subjective auditory difficulties, central auditory processing, and sound tolerance in individuals with FHP.
- To compare auditory function between individuals with FHP with and without chronic neck pain, and with controls.
Main Methods:
- Fifty individuals with FHP were divided into 'FHP with neck pain' and 'FHP-only' groups.
- A control group of fifty individuals without FHP or neck pain was included.
- Audiometry, T-AIADH, MDT, TFS-AF, and Hyperacusis Questionnaire were used to assess auditory function.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in pure-tone hearing thresholds, MDT, TFS-AF, or hyperacusis scores were found.
- Individuals with FHP and neck pain reported significantly higher subjective hearing difficulties (T-AIADH scores).
- Tinnitus prevalence was significantly higher in the FHP with neck pain group.
Conclusions:
- FHP-only did not show significant differences in objective auditory measures compared to controls.
- Individuals with FHP and concurrent neck pain experience greater subjective hearing difficulties and tinnitus.
- Neck pain should be considered in the audiological evaluation of individuals with FHP.