Hearing as an Independent Predictor of Postural Balance in 1075 Patients Evaluated for Dizziness

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the association between hearing and postural balance.

Study Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care otolaryngology clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Patients examined for suspected vestibular disorder were included in this study. The outcome variable was postural sway measured by static posturography during quiet standing with eyes closed. The predictor variable was pure-tone average hearing threshold on the best hearing ear at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz. Covariates were age, sex, and vestibular disease or vestibular asymmetry assessed by bithermal caloric irrigation.

Results

In total, 1075 patients were included. Increased hearing threshold was a strong predictor of increased postural sway (path length) after correcting for age and sex. A 10-dB increase in hearing loss on the best hearing ear predicted a mean 6.0% increase in path length (confidence interval, 2.9%-9.3%, P < .001). Of the covariates, increasing age (P < .001) and male sex (P = .009) were significant predictors of increased postural sway. The effect of increased hearing threshold was also significant after adjusting for vestibular disease.

Conclusion

Increased hearing threshold was an independent predictor of increased postural instability, and this effect was strongest for the best hearing ear. Unilateral vestibular disease did not seem to explain this association between hearing and postural balance. Reduced hearing is associated with impaired balance, and interventions to prevent falls should be considered for patients at risk.