Realistic dual-task listening-while-balancing in older adults with normal hearing and hearing loss with and without hearing aids.

ABSTRACT: Age-related hearing loss is a risk factor for mobility problems and falls, possibly due to poor access to spatial sounds or the higher allocation of attention required to listen, thereby reducing cognitive resources to support mobility. Introducing stabilizing spatial sounds or reducing cognitive load through hearing aids could possibly improve balance performance; however, evidence is mixed. Few studies have evaluated the effects of hearing aids and spatial sounds on balance during realistic, multisensory, dual-tasking conditions. This study used virtual reality to simulate a listening-while-balancing task in 22 older adults with normal hearing and 22 hearing aid users, tested with their aids on versus off. Participants performed a competing digits listening task (two, four digits) and a

SUBMITTER: Mohanathas N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11579314 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature