Is Asymmetric Hearing Loss a Risk Factor for Vestibular Dysfunction? Lesson From Big Data Analysis Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether asymmetric hearing loss affects vestibular function.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

PATIENTS:

Data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey for adults aged 40 years or more were used.

INTERVENTIONS:

The modified Romberg test and pure-tone audiometry were performed. Data were analyzed using a complex sample χ test of independence and complex sample logistic regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Vestibular dysfunction and hearing thresholds.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of vestibular dysfunction was 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-4.3%). In adults more than 40 years of age, multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the odds ratio (OR) of vestibular dysfunction was 3.067 times higher than the reference for a 30-dB difference in hearing thresholds between both ears (CI, 1.481-6.351; p = 0.007) after adjusting for factors associated with vestibular dysfunction. Among these individuals, the risk of equilibrium disturbance was higher in the presence of low-frequency asymmetric hearing loss (OR, 2.148; CI, 1.216-3.793; p = 0.009); on the other hand, high-frequency asymmetry did not lead to a higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS:

As low-frequency asymmetric hearing thresholds tend to coexist with vestibular dysfunction in adults, those with asymmetric hearing loss should be closely monitored.