Functional and Structural Aging of the Vestibular System

Abstract

Purpose Aging is ubiquitous and the elderly population (aged 65 years and older) will continue to grow, reaching an estimated 25% of the U.S. population by 2060. Symptoms of dizziness and imbalance as well as risk of falling are more common in older adults, but it is often unclear whether these symptoms are due to disease or a consequence of aging. Indeed, age-related changes in the vestibular periphery are not well understood. This invited review describes age-related changes in peripheral vestibular function, comparisons between aging of auditory and vestibular function, structural correlates for vestibular aging, and the role of genetics in vestibular aging. Conclusion The data from animal models will show that gravity receptor function declines with age but at different rates for different inbred mouse strains. Gravity receptor aging includes loss of postsynaptic elements and loss of hair cells, which is observed at advanced ages. Loss of hair cells may contribute to some extent at advanced ages. Age-related changes in hearing do not predict age-related changes in vestibular function. Genes likely influence the rate of decline in vestibular function. Further research is needed to fully understand the fundamental mechanisms of vestibular aging and to begin to develop potential therapeutic approaches.