Repercussions of the Degrees of Hearing Loss and Vestibular Dysfunction on the Static Balance of Children With Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the static balance of children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) according to the degrees of SNHL and the function of the vestibular system. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in public schools located in Caruaru, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with 130 children (65 with normal hearing and 65 with SNHL as documented by air and bone conduction audiometry) of both sexes between 7 and 11 years old. Static balance was assessed by a stabilometric analysis using a force platform consisting of the circular area of center-of-pressure displacement of the children evaluated in 3 positions: bipedal support with feet together and parallel (PF), tandem feet (TF), and 1 foot (OF), carried out under 2 sensory conditions each, with eyes open and eyes closed. After balance assessments, the children with SNHL received examinations of auditory and vestibular functions—through audiometry and computerized vectoelectronystagmography, respectively—to compose the groups according to degrees of SNHL and vestibular function. Results. The children with severe and profound SNHL demonstrated more static balance instabilities than the children with normal hearing in 5 positions assessed with eyes open (PF, TF, and OF) and eyes closed (PF and TF). The same phenomenon occurred in children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction in all of the positions assessed with eyes open and eyes closed (PF, TF, and OF). Conclusion. The larger the degree of SNHL, the greater the balance instability of the children. The children with SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction showed the highest balance instabilities in this study. Impact. Children with larger degrees of SNHL and associated vestibular dysfunction might require prolonged periods to rehabilitate their balance.