Abstract
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.
Published Version
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