The contribution of hearing to normal balance

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction:Normal balance relies on three sensory inputs: vision, proprioception and the peripheral vestibular system. This study assessed hearing change and postural control in normal subjects.Materials and methods:Postural control in 20 normal volunteers was assessed using a Nintendo Wii gaming console and balance board. Each subject was tested standing upright for 30 seconds in a clinic room and a soundproof room with their eyes open, eyes closed, whilst standing on and off foam, and with and without ear defenders.Results:There was significantly more postural sway in the following subjects: those standing with their eyes closedvsthose with eyes open (normal room,p = 0.0002; soundproof room,p = 0.0164); those standing on foam with eyes openvsthose standing normally with eyes open (in both rooms;p < 0.05); those standing with eyes open in a soundproof roomvsa normal room (p = 0.0164); and those standing on foam in a soundproof room with eyes open and wearing ear defendersvsthose in the same circumstances but without ear defenders.Conclusion:Our results suggest that this method provides a simple, inexpensive tool for assessing static postural control. Whilst it is recognised that visual input and proprioception play a central role in maintaining posture, our findings suggest that ambient sound and hearing may also have a significant influence.