Static posturographic balance in neurotologic patients may be associated with middle–high-frequency hearing levels during ageing process

Abstract

Background

Understanding how sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) impacts postural balance in patients is important, as postural balance predicts the risk of falls.

Aims/objectives

We aimed to clarify the relationship between characteristics in the configuration of audiograms and static postural balance as measured by posturography.

Materials and methods

We evaluated 385 outpatients (mean [± standard deviation] age, 58.4 ± 18.4 years) with SNHL by audiometry and posturography. Data were analysed by multiple regression models with the outcome of postural sway area with eyes closed (PSA) and predictive variables of audiometric data, adjusted for sex, age and the presence of nystagmus.

Results

The increased hearing threshold in the better hearing ear was associated with poorer or higher PSA (beta coefficient [β] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03–0.75, per 10-dB increment). No difference in PSA was detected between patients with asymmetric or symmetric SNHL. None of the frequent diagnoses (presbyacusis, Meniere’s disease, and idiopathic sudden SNHL) were associated with poorer PSA. Hearing thresholds at middle (β = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.10–0.67) and high frequencies (β = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.07–0.55) were associated with poorer PSA, whereas those at low frequencies was not.

Conclusions and significance

Postural balance in neurotologic patients may be associated with middle–high-frequency hearing levels during ageing.

Chinese Abstract

背景：了解感音神经性听力损失 (SNHL) 如何影响患者的体位平衡是很重要的, 因为体位平衡可以预测跌倒的风险。

目的：理清配置听力图特征和通过姿势描记法测量的静态姿势平衡的特征之间的关系。

材料和方法：我们评估了 385 名通过听力测定和姿势描记法诊断为 SNHL的门诊患者（平均 [± 标准差] 年龄, 58.4 ± 18.4 岁）。数据通过多元回归模型进行分析, 结果为闭眼姿势摆动区域 (PSA) 和听力数据的预测变量, 根据性别、年龄和眼球震颤的存在进行调整。

结果：听力较好的耳朵的听力阈值增加与较差或更高的 PSA（β 系数 [β] = 0.39, 95% 置信区间 [CI] = 0.03–0.75, 每 10-dB 增量）相关。在不对称或对称 SNHL 患者之间未检测到 PSA 差异。常见的病症（老年性耳聋、梅尼埃病和特发性突发 SNHL）与较差的PSA没有相关关系。中频 (β = 0.39, 95%CI ¼ 0.10–0.67) 和高频(β = 0.31, 95%CI ¼ 0.07–0.55) 的听力阈值与较差的 PSA 相关, 而低频的不是。

结论和意义：神经疾病患者的体位平衡可能与衰老过程中的中高频听力水平有关。

Keywords:

• Static postural balance
• posturography
• sensorineural hearing loss
• audiogram configuration
• ageing process
• older adults

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This study was not supported by a specific research grant.