Balance, Hearing Problems
Conditions
Keywords
balance, vestibular system, industrial workers, occupational noise, Hearing problems
Brief summary
This study will investigate the balance performance and balance-related activities of daily living in 35 industrial workers with hearing problems exposed to occupational noise, using the Berg Balance Scale and the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale. The research aims to determine whether there is a statistically significant association between hearing problems, balance performance, and daily noise exposure duration. It is hypothesized that while hearing problems related to occupational noise exposure may exist, they may not be directly associated with clinically significant balance impairment, potentially remaining at a tolerable level in daily life. Furthermore, the correlation between Berg Balance Scale and daily living activity scores will be evaluated to understand the functional impact of balance on these workers.
Detailed description
Background: Industrial workers are frequently exposed to high levels of occupational noise, which constitutes one of the most common causes of hearing problems and noise-induced hearing loss. In addition to auditory impairment, prolonged noise exposure may affect balance functions due to the close anatomical relationship between the auditory and vestibular systems. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate balance performance and balance-related activities of daily living in industrial workers with hearing problems who are exposed to occupational noise. Methods: This cross-sectional study will include 35 industrial workers with hearing problems who are exposed to occupational noise. Balance performance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, and balance-related activities of daily living will be evaluated using the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale. Sociodemographic characteristics and duration of daily noise exposure will be recorded. Statistical analyses will be performed using non-parametric tests and correlation analysis to identify potential relationships between variables. Expected Outcome / Conclusion: The study intends to determine whether balance problems experienced by industrial workers with hearing problems remain at a tolerable level in daily life. It is hypothesized that hearing problems related to occupational noise exposure may not be directly associated with clinically significant balance impairment in this population.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Yeditepe University
Study design
Observational model
ECOLOGIC_OR_COMMUNITY
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Employment in industrial or heavy industrial settings * Age between 18 and 60 years * Presence of hearing problems diagnosed prior to or after starting industrial work
Exclusion criteria
* Employment in office-based industrial positions * Working duration of less than one year
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Berg Balance Scale | Day 1 | The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess static and dynamic balance performance. The scale consists of 14 items and scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. |
| Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale | Day 1 | The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) was used to evaluate balance-related difficulties in daily life. he scale assesses functional, ambulation, and instrumental activities of daily living across 28 items. Scores range from 1 to 10, where higher scores indicate a worse outcome (greater self-perceived disability). |
Contacts
CONTACTŞevval Ön, Physiotherapist
Outcome results
None listed