Greater Reduction in walking speed and automaticity observed in adults as severity of hearing impairment increases

GREATER REDUCTION IN WALKING SPEED AND AUTOMATICITY OBSERVED IN ADULTS AS SEVERITY OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT INCREASES

Presenter: Soles K

This module addresses:

Question Does walking performance differ with reference to normative

data and according to the severity of hearing impairment?

Conclusion: Adults with moderate/severe hearing impairment have a

significant reduction in walking performance. Physiotherapy assessment

and intervention services for those with hearing impairment warrant

development and evaluation.

Key Practice Points:

• Hearing impairment negatively affects walking performance

• Training walking automaticity for hearing impaired warrants investigation

• Integrated physiotherapy services within hearing clinics is indicated.

CPD Points: 0.25