Vestibular Balance Therapy Intervention for Children

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Feb 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new home-based therapy program designed to help children with balance problems caused by issues with their inner ear, known as vestibular hypofunction. The main goals are to see if this therapy is practical for families to do at home and to find out if it helps improve balance and function in these children. Participants, aged 6 to 12 years, will first undergo some tests to assess their balance and inner ear function. Then, they will participate in an 8-week program where they practice exercises at home five times a week, with weekly check-ins from a physical therapist to provide guidance and support.

To be eligible for this trial, children must have a confirmed diagnosis of severe to profound hearing loss and must be willing to participate in the therapy. They also need to have had a vision test in the past year or agree to get one. Children with other neurological conditions, those currently receiving vestibular therapy, or those with serious vision problems unrelated to their balance issues will not be able to participate. This study is currently recruiting participants, and the information gathered will help plan a larger trial in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • confirmed diagnosis of severe to profound SNHL
• • age 4-17 years
• • caregiver/child verbal willingness to commit to the home vestibular balance therapy or sham intervention
• • vision screening/testing within 1 year or willingness to get a vision test.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • neurologic condition other than SNHL
• • inability to read at a kindergarten level or identify pictures
• • currently receiving vestibular therapy
• • uncorrected vision problems unrelated to a vestibular deficit