Do you ever feel unsteady when working out at Pivotal Fitness? If so, hearing aids may help, one study suggests. Below we review what the research shows about the connection between hearing and balance.
About the Study
The study in question was conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and led by Timothy E. Hullar, Professor of Otolaryngology. The accompanying article, entitled “The effect of hearing aids on postural stability,” was published in the journal The Laryngoscope in March of 2015.
The purpose of the study was twofold: 1. To uncover whether the sense of hearing contributes to balance and 2. To determine whether use of hearing aids has any impact on the ability to balance.
Study Methodology
Fourteen participants ages 65 to 91 were enrolled in the study.
Researchers conducted standard balance tests to measure the participants’ postural balance. The tests were performed twice, once with both hearing aids turned on and again with them turned off.
One test involved the participants standing on a thick foam pad with their eyes covered. Another test involved them standing with one foot in front of the other in a heel-to-toe position, again with their eyes covered.
For each test, the researchers measured how long the participants could stand still, without moving their arms or feet to catch themselves.
Study Results
The results are broken down as follows:
- For the foam pad test, the average duration of stability was 17 seconds with the devices off and 26 seconds with the devices on.
- For the heel-to-toe test, the average duration of stability was 5 seconds with the devices off and 10 seconds with the devices on.
The researchers note that these results are statistically significant, indicating wearing hearing aids may offer a significant benefit for avoiding falls in older adults.
Study Limitations
There were a couple limitations of this study.
One limitation was that the participants knew whether their devices were off or on, which could potentially influence the outcome of the tests. The researchers attempted to offset this by randomizing when the devices were off or on.
Another limitation was the small sample size. The research team hopes to repeat the study on a larger scale once they receive additional funding.
Significance of the Study
The main significance of this study is that it demonstrates how sound information is used to help one balance.
According to Professor Hullar, “The participants appeared to be using the sound information coming through their hearing aids as auditory reference points or landmarks to help maintain balance.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing and balance expert, call The Hearing & Balance Center at ENT & Allergy Partners today.