Hearing loss is associated with increased variability in double support period in the elderly

Betsy Szeto, Damiano Zanotto, Erin M. Lopez, John A. Stafford, John S. Nemer, Adam R. Chambers, Sunil K. Agrawal, Anil K. Lalwani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hearing loss is a disabling condition that increases with age and has been linked to difficulties in walking and increased risk of falls. The purpose of this study is to investigate changes in gait parameters associated with hearing loss in a group of older adults aged 60 or greater. Custom-engineered footwear was used to collect spatiotemporal gait data in an outpatient clinical setting. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the relationship between spatiotemporal gait parameters and high and low frequency hearing thresholds of the poorer hearing ear, the left ear, and the right ear, respectively, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory–Screening version score. Worsening high and low frequency hearing thresholds were associated with increased variability in double support period. Effects persisted after adjusting for the effects of age and perceived vestibular disability and were greater for increases in hearing thresholds for the right ear compared to the left ear. These findings illustrate the importance of auditory feedback for balance and coordination and may suggest a right ear advantage for the influence of auditory feedback on gait.

Original languageEnglish
Article number278
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalSensors (Switzerland)
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2021

Keywords

  • Ambulatory gait analysis
  • Hearing loss
  • Instrumented footwear
  • Spatiotemporal gait parameters
  • Wearable technology

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