The association between age-related sensorineural hearing loss and saccular dysfunction in the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Presbycusis or age-related sensorineural hearing loss (ARSNHL) is a complex disorder that results in a slow deterioration in auditory function. A considerable high number of these presbycusis or ARSNHL patients also suffer from dizziness and related vestibular symptoms. Although auditory and vestibular systems are distinct, they work just alike. Hence, there is a great relation among their functions. Once one is stimulated, the other suffers changes as well. Methodology: Participants in this study comprised forty adult patients (60–75 years) divided into two groups: control group with normal hearing and without any vestibular symptoms or diagnosed vestibular diseases and study group with mild-to-moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss with or without dizziness in the form of a sense of imbalance during walking or a sense of rotation of the surrounding, especially on sitting or standing from lying position. All patients in this study were without any history of noise exposure in their life. The audiological status was measured with pure-tone audiometry and auditory brainstem response (ABR). The vestibular system was assessed using videonystagmography test battery and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP). Timed up and go test was used as a quick screening tool for detecting balance problems. ABR and cVEMP results of the groups were calculated and compared. Results: The absolute peak latencies of ABR wave I, III, and V were prolonged in the study group than that in the control group. Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential results showed that P13 and N23 latencies were prolonged and P13–N23 amplitude was decreased in the study group when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Thoughtful examination of the vestibular system, in conjunction with auditory functions in elderly persons, is recommended. This may help discover their subclinical vestibular problem and guide physicians to design a suitable treatment plan that helps in decreasing the risk of falls for aged persons.