EVALUATION OF AUDIO-VESTIBULAR FINDINGS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PRESBYCUSIS: A SELF-REPORT STUDY
1University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Faculty of Health Sciences, Audiology, Ankara, Türkiye2Ankara Medipol University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Audiology, Ankara, Türkiye
3University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, Otorhinolaryngology, Ankara, Türkiye Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of speech perception (SP), spatial hearing (SH), and hearing quality (HQ) in individuals diagnosed with presbycusis, and to examine the effects of dizziness and tinnitus on these parameters.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 individuals (19 women, 31 men) with presbycusis were included in the study. Participants ranged in age from 56 to 70 years, with a mean age of 68.42 ± 5.41 years. All individuals underwent pure-tone and speech audiometry, as well as assessments using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ).
Results: A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between pure-tone average and overall SSQ scores (r = -0.361; p = 0.010). A strong and statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the total DHI score and the mean SSQ-SH (spatial hearing) scores (r = -0.723; p = 0.043). On the other hand, no significant differences were identified between the presence of tinnitus and the SSQ subscales or overall score (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Hearing loss and dizziness observed in individuals with presbycusis may negatively affect perceived auditory performance and quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating both audiological assessments and subjective scales in the clinical evaluation process.
Keywords : Presbycusis, Speech Perception, Spatial Hearing, Tinnitus