Association Between Severe-to-profound Hearing Loss and the Balance Function of the Inner Ear

Launched by VÄRMLAND COUNTY COUNCIL, SWEDEN · Aug 9, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This Swedish study is looking to see if people with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss (very hard to hear in the better ear) also have problems with balance due to the inner ear. It will compare 50 adults with this level of hearing loss to 50 age-matched people with normal hearing. To check balance function, researchers will use four tests: caloric irrigation (watching eye movements after warm and cold water in the ear), the video head impulse test (short, rapid head movements to see how the eyes stay on target), and two kinds of vestibular evoked myogenic potential tests (cVEMP and oVEMP) that measure different parts of the balance system. Participants will also fill out a dizziness questionnaire. The goal is to find out whether those with severe hearing loss have different vestibular function than people with normal hearing.

Eligibility focuses on adults aged 50–85 with hearing loss of 70 dB or worse in the better ear. Exclusions include congenital deafness, cochlear implants, or significant vision problems. The study is taking place in Värmland, Sweden, and eligible people are invited to participate. If they consent, they’ll have a quick ear check and then undergo the four balance tests plus the dizziness questionnaire. This is an observational study, not a test of a treatment or device, and the findings will compare the two groups to see if severe hearing loss is linked to changes in vestibular (balance) function.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Hearing level of 70 decibel or worse in the better ear
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Congenital deafness
• • Presence of cochlear implant/implants
• • Severe vision impairment