Objectives: The present study aimed to analyse the impact of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain deficit on postural control (PC) in children with sensorineural hearing loss.
Methods: A retrospective study included 55 children with sensorineural hearing loss between 4 and 17 years of age. The Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT®) was used to assess semicircular canal function. PC was assessed on the Balance Quest® posturographic platform testing sensory organisation.
Results: Spatial and temporal postural parameters (area and mean speed of centre of pressure oscillation, spectral power index) in the OKN-U condition (optokinetic with unstable platform) were significantly better in children with than without VOR deficit.
Conclusion: Posturographic exploration in the OKN-U condition can screen for semicircular canal deficit in hearing-impaired children. VOR deficit also seems to predict PC deficit.
Keywords: Hearing-impaired children; Postural control; Posturographic assessment; Semicircular canal deficit; Vestibulo-ocular reflex; Video Head Impulse Test.
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