Research Progress on the Characteristics of Balance Function and Influencing Factors in Children with Sensorineural Hearing Loss
GAO Yongxiang
FENG Yan
MAO Wenqin
HE Hualan
LU Feiao
XIAO Yongtao
Abstract：Research indicates that children with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)exhibit significantly greater instability in balance function assessments such as the Romberg test,single-leg stance test,and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency compared to their normal hearing peers,along with a higher incidence of vestibular dysfunction.Factors influencing balance function in children with SNHL include laterality of hearing loss(unilateral/bilateral),age and the degree of hearing impairment.The underlying mechanisms may involve multiple factors such as vestibular dysfunction,reduced auditory input,increased cognitive load and overprotection.Notably,the use of hearing assistive devices(e.g.,hearing aids or cochlear implants)may have a positive impact on balance function.Although current research primarily focuses on adult and elderly populations,preliminary evidence suggests that restoration of auditory input could contribute to improved balance performance.This article systematically reviews the performance characteristics of static balance,dynamic balance and vestibular function tests in children with SNHL,as well as the influencing factors and potential mechanisms,to provide clinicians and rehabilitation therapists with a theoretical foundation for optimizing balance function and rehabilitation intervention strategies in these children,thereby promoting their holistic development.
Keywords：sensorineural hearing losschildrenbalance functionvestibular functionmechanisms
Publication Date：2025-10-20
Online Publishing Date：2025-10-17(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 884-889 )