Presbycusis and presbyvestibulopathy: Balance improvement after hearing loss restoration

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to define if hearing relief can improve vestibular function and risk-to-fall. Methods: Fifteen hearing-impaired patients, 6 males and 9 females, aged ≥60 years (64–81 years, mean age 75.13 years), all affected by presbyvestibulopathy and presbycusis, with indication for bilateral hearing correction with hearing aids (HAs), underwent: the Conley Scale (for the fall risk assessment), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (quantifying dizziness-related physical and emotional symptoms and restrictions in daily activities), and the Corsi Blocks Task Test (assessing visuospatial working memory) before and 12 months after HAs fitting. Results: Mean basal scores were 2.8 ± 1.9 (Conley Scale); 30.1 ± 14.6 (DHI); and 3.5 ± 0.7 (Corsi span). Mean scores posthearing loss (HL) correction were 2.0 ± 1.6 (Conley scale); 24 ± 12.9 (DHI); 4.7 ± 1.6 (Corsi span). Comparing the scores pre- and postHAs fitting, we found an improvement of Conley Scale (P = 0.11), DHI (P = 0.11), and Corsi span (P = 0.05) after 1 year. Conclusions: The treatment of HL could be useful not only to reduce the risk of falls but also to improve the spatial memory and the quality of life related to imbalance.