Research Information System
AUDIOLOGY AND NEUROTOLOGY, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Introduction:This study aimed to investigate the impact ofauditory input on postural control in young adult cochlearimplant users with profound sensorineural hearing loss.The research explores the relationship between auditorycues and static postural stability in individuals with hearingimpairment.Methods:Thirty-four young adult cochlearimplant users, consisting of 15 males and 19 females aged18-35 years, underwent variousbalance tests, includingthe modified Clinical Tests of Sensory Interaction on Bal-ance (mCTSIB) and the unilateral stance test (UST), underdifferent auditory conditions: (a) white noise stimuluspresent with the sound processor activated, (b) ambientnoise present with the sound processor activated, and (c)sound processor deactivated. Statistical analysis was per-formed to evaluate the participants'postural control per-formance in relation to auditory stimuli.Results:Statisticalanalysis revealed that participants exhibited better pos-tural control in the presence of white noise stimuli com-pared to when the sound processor was turned off in theUST (p= 0.001) and Fukuda Stepping Test (in terms ofdisplacement [p= 0.004]). The composite mCTSIB scoresshowed no significant difference between sound proces-sors off, sound processors on with ambient noise, andsound processors on with broadband white noise condi-tions.Conclusion:Thefindings suggest that access toauditory cues through cochlear implants plays a crucial rolein preserving static postural control in young adults withhearing impairment. This study highlights the positiveeffect of auditory information on balance performance inindividuals with cochlear implants and profound hearingloss. Future research is recommended to further explorethe impact of auditory stimuli on dynamic postural abilitiesand to include preoperative balance assessments in indi-viduals undergoing cochlear implantation.(c) 2025 S. Karger AG, Basel