Characterization of posturography results in adolescents with severe to profound hearing loss Caracterización de resultados de posturografia en adolescentes con pérdida auditiva severa a profunda

Abstract

Context: Hearing loss in adolescents is accompanied by unnoticed vestibular disorders that impact motor development and influence learning. Early identification and knowledge about vestibular neuromaturation provides alternatives to improve academic performance. Objectives: to characterize the results of posturography in adolescents with severe to profound hearing loss. Method: quantitative study, with descriptive technique, searching for relationships between studied variables. Population: 38 adolescents with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss, in groups of 12 - 15 and 16 - 19 years old. Results: older adolescents presented less oscillatory movement. With a developmental history, they showed lower performance in posturography and greater difficulties in quantitative thinking, language and communication. Discussion: neuromadurative antecedents are important for the development of balance and equilibrium. No direct relationships were recorded between posturography with low academic performance, however, it was clinically useful providing sensory, motor and vestibular performance data, for intervention. Conclusions: The results suggest indirect effect on verbal academic performance. The integration of the sensorimotor, visual, vestibular and cognitive systems is key to the development of learning skills. Maturation is an active process in the transition from adolescence to adulthood.  The relationship between vestibular deficit and developmental history, such as premature birth or age of onset of walking, merits identifying risk factors of the vestibular system in early childhood. The socio-affective environment, the family and living with peers are important for academic performance.