Evaluation of Dizziness Handicap in Adolescents and Adults with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Introduction Vestibular symptoms and damage to the vestibular branch of the eighth cranial nerve is reported in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). However, the real life handicap caused by these vestibular problems in individuals with ANSD is not studied. Objective The present study attempted to evaluate the dizziness-related handicap in adolescents and adults with ANSD. Method The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was administered to 40 adolescents and adults diagnosed with ANSD. The study also attempted to determine if there is any gender effect on DHI scores and its correlation to the reported onset of hearing loss. Results The results of the study showed that adolescents and adults with ANSD had a moderate degree of dizziness-related handicap. The dizziness affected their quality of life, causing emotional problems. There was no gender effect, and the level of the handicap was greater in the cases in which the onset of the hearing loss was reported soon after the diagnosis of ANSD. There could be a vestibular compensation that could have resulted in a reduction in symptoms in individuals in whom the onset of the hearing loss was reported later on. Conclusion Thus, a detailed assessment of vestibular problems and their impact on quality of life is essential in adolescents and adults with ANSD. Appropriate management strategies should be considered to resolve their vestibular problems and improve their quality of life.

Spectrum of Handicap in Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

“…The majority of our study population was found to be suffering from significant hearing handicap as 59% had severe to profound hearing loss. Based on DHI scores, moderate handicap was seen in most of our study population, similar to Prabhu et al [11]. Strong significant positive correlation was seen between total scores of HHIA and DHI.…”

“…Dizziness decreases attention span to routine activity and conversations which leads to an increased hearing handicap. The presence of hearing loss also results in higher DHI scores, as seen by Prabhu et al [11], who evaluated the dizziness handicap in 40 patients of Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) using DHI. A moderate negative correlation was seen by Prabhu et al [11], between DHI scores and onset of hearing loss, indicating more dizziness handicap due to early onset of hearing loss in ANSD.…”

Validity of Italian adaptation of the Vanderbilt Paediatric Dizziness Handicap Inventory

“…less than 5 years of age). Currently, there is not psychometrically dizziness measure available to these paediatric age groups, and the adult DHI has been validated only in adolescents diagnosed with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder 25 . Additionally, future studies may expand the application of DHI-PC to point out that the use of this tool may positively impact on the evaluation of postural disabilities.…”