Investigation of the relationship between severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and vestibulo-ocular reflex using objective vestibular tests.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR).

DESIGN

This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design to examine the relationship between unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

STUDY SAMPLE: The study included 76 participants (42 women, 34 men) aged 18-50, comprising individuals with unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and healthy controls. All completed a Demographic Data Form and underwent v-HIT and f-HIT assessments.

RESULTS

The f-HIT revealed statistically significant differences among the affected ear, unaffected ear, and control groups in lateral SCC performance at 4000-6000°/s2, posterior SCC performance at 3000-6000°/s2 and in overall percentage of correct answers (%CA) (p < 0.05). The v-HIT showed significant group differences in VOR gain values for all SCCs and in asymmetry between case and control groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A decrease in the gain and functionality of the vestibulo-ocular reflex has been observed in individuals with unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. İnvolvement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex pathway has also been noted on the side without hearing loss.