The contribution of hearing to normal balance.
BACKGROUND
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.


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 closed vs those with eyes open (normal room, p = 0.0002; soundproof room, p = 0.0164); those standing on foam with eyes open vs those standing normally with eyes open (in both rooms; p < 0.05); those standing with eyes open in a soundproof room vs a normal room (p = 0.0164); and those standing on foam in a soundproof room with eyes open and wearing ear defenders vs those in the same circumstances but without ear defenders.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
ENT Department, Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, UK. rahulkanegaonkar@gmail.com
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Kanegaonkar
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Amin
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Clarke
D000328:Adult; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult