Effect of Auditory Input on Sensory Organization and Fall Risk in Young Adults With Hearing Aids.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document postural control, sensory organization, and fall risk parameters of auditory input using computerized posturography in bilaterally hearing-aided young adults. A total of 54 individuals aged 18 to 40 years participated in the study, including 36 bilateral hearing aid (HA) users and 18 normal-hearing controls. HA users were divided into two groups based on the duration of device use: Group 1 included individuals using bilateral HAs for 12 months or less, and Group 2 included those using them for more than 12 months. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and computerized Fall Risk Assessment were administered to all participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Group 1 and Group 2 were assessed under both HA-on and HA-off conditions, while the control group was evaluated only under auditory stimulation. SOT Condition 1, 2, and 4 scores of Group 1 in the HA-on situation were statistically significantly higher than in the HA-off situation. No statistically significant difference was observed in Condition 3, 5, and 6 scores. All SOT condition scores in the HA-on situation of Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than those in the HA-off situation. It was observed that the risk of falling performance was riskier when the HAs were turned off in Group 1 and Group 2 compared to when the HAs were turned on. It was observed that auditory input had a positive contribution to postural control and fall risk in young adult HA users.