Evaluation of balance dysfunction in the pediatric sensorineural hearing loss patients

Abstract

The aim To evaluate the balance function with BOT - 2 test (Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition) in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and compare it with normally hearing controls. Methods Reaserch participants were recruited from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. The hearing status was assesed by the audiology tests. All subjects underwent Balance subset of the BOT - 2 test, which consists of nine balance-related tasks performed with eyes opened and eyes closed. Results Study group consisted of 61 children, age range 4 - 15 years (mean 8.41±3.1): 31 child (44.9%) with SNHL and 30 (43.5%) healthy children. Groups mached in age and gender. Balance abilities performing one leg standing tasks on a line and on a balance beam with eyes opened were statistically significantly better in control group when compared with the SNHL group. The statistically significant difference between children with SNHS and controls was also identified performing the same tests with eyes closed. We did not find statistically significant difference in children balance function between those rehabilitated with hearing aids or cochlear implants (p>0,05). There was a correlation between the age and balance dysfunction -younger children had more expressed balance dysfunction symptoms, but gender and hearing level had no significant effect. Conclusion Children with SNHL showed significantly poorer balance abilities than control group. One leg standing tasks with eyes closed and eyes opened are appropriate to identify the vestibular dysfunction in children with SNHL. BOT - 2 test is feasible to detect balance disorders in children.