The relationship between labial vibrotactile detection and pure-tone hearing thresholds in healthy, ageing adults

Abstract

Purpose: Orofacial anatomy is unique from other body systems in that oral musculature inserts directly into the underlying cutaneous skin, allowing for tight temporal synchronicity between somatosensory and auditory performance feedback to maintain correct orofacial behaviours across the lifespan. Unfortunately, little is currently known regarding the changes in orofacial sensory capacities associated with ageing and how these somatosensory and auditory changes may impact feedback during functional behaviours such as speech or swallowing. The purpose of this descriptive study was to begin assessing the relationship between the auditory and labial somatosensory system in healthy ageing adults.Method: Pure-tone hearing thresholds were determined for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz. Using a 2-alternative forced choice paradigm, 60 adults (19–84 years) completed vibrotactile detection thresholds (VDT) at the 5 and 10 Hz test frequencies.Result: A significant difference for age by group was identified at the 5 Hz test frequency. Spearman Correlations identified a significant correlation between age and pure tone hearing thresholds and the 5 Hz test frequency threshold.Conclusion: A relationship between pure tone hearing thresholds and labial somatosensory was identified. Future studies will begin the processing of modelling the complex multivariate sensorimotor relationship in healthy individuals before moving to a disordered population.