Effect of hearing aids on static balance function in elderly with hearing loss

While a few studies have investigated the relationship between hearing acuity and postural control, little is known about the effect of hearing aids on postural stability in elderly with hearing loss. The aim was to compare static balance function between elderly with hearing loss who used hearing aids and those who did not use. The subjects asked to stand with (A) open eyes on rigid surface (force platform), (B) closed eyes on rigid surface, (C) open eyes on a foam pad, and (D) closed eyes on a foam pad. Subjects in the aided group (n = 22) were tested with their hearing aids turned on and hearing aids turned off in each experimental condition. Subjects in the unaided group (n = 25) were tested under the same experimental conditions as the aided group. Indicators for postural stability were center of pressure (COP) parameters including; mean velocity, standard deviation (SD) velocity in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions, and sway area (95% confidence ellipse). The results showed that within open eyes-foam surface condition, there was greater SD velocity in the off-aided than the on-aided and the unaided than the on-aided (p < 0.0001 for SD velocity in AP and ML). Also, no significant differences were found between the off-aided and unaided group (p = 0.56 and p = 0.77 for SD velocity in AP and ML, respectively). Hearing aids improve static balance function by reducing the SD velocity. Clinical implications may include improving hearing inputs in order to increase postural stability in older adults with hearing loss.