Is Asymmetric Hearing Loss a Risk Factor for Vestibular Dysfunction? Lesson From Big Data Analysis Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether asymmetric hearing loss affects vestibular function.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS: Data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey for adults aged 40 years or more were used.

INTERVENTIONS: The modified Romberg test and pure-tone audiometry were performed. Data were analyzed using a complex sample χ test of independence and complex sample logistic regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vestibular dysfunction and hearing thresholds.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of vestibular dysfunction was 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-4.3%). In adults more than 40 years of age, multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the odds ratio (OR) of vestibular dysfunction was 3.067 times higher than the reference for a 30-dB difference in hearing thresholds between both ears (CI, 1.481-6.351; p = 0.007) after adjusting for factors associated with vestibular dysfunction. Among these individuals, the risk of equilibrium disturbance was higher in the presence of low-frequency asymmetric hearing loss (OR, 2.148; CI, 1.216-3.793; p = 0.009); on the other hand, high-frequency asymmetry did not lead to a higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

As low-frequency asymmetric hearing thresholds tend to coexist with vestibular dysfunction in adults, those with asymmetric hearing loss should be closely monitored.