Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document postural control, sensory organization, and fall risk parameters of auditory input using computerized posturography in bilaterally hearing-aided young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 individuals aged 18 to 40 years participated in the study, including 36 bilateral hearing aid (HA) users and 18 normal-hearing controls. HA users were divided into two groups based on the duration of device use: Group 1 included individuals using bilateral HAs for 12 months or less, and Group 2 included those using them for more than 12 months. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and computerized Fall Risk Assessment were administered to all participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Group 1 and Group 2 were assessed under both HA-on and HA-off conditions, while the control group was evaluated only under auditory stimulation. RESULTS: SOT Condition 1, 2, and 4 scores of Group 1 in the HA-on situation were statistically significantly higher than in the HA-off situation. No statistically significant difference was observed in Condition 3, 5, and 6 scores. All SOT condition scores in the HA-on situation of Group 2 were statistically significantly higher than those in the HA-off situation. It was observed that the risk of falling performance was riskier when the HAs were turned off in Group 1 and Group 2 compared to when the HAs were turned on. CONCLUSION: It was observed that auditory input had a positive contribution to postural control and fall risk in young adult HA users.