A relação entre a perda auditiva, tontura e aspectos emocionais no idoso

Abstract

Introduction: Balance disorders and hearing loss are common symptoms in elderly. Ageing is part of a biological process starting at birth and should not be seen solely before the comorbidity. Previous elderly life-style and behaviour may influence their current health condition. Purpose: To study and analyse publications regarding the relation between physical balance and hearing loss in elderly. Method: Integrative review. The following stages were previously assigned: 1) defining the question and the author’s hypothesis about the proposed theme; 2) establishing descriptors; 3) defining criteria of inclusion and exclusion; 4) determining the databases and the data selection period; 5) presentation of selected articles in table format by considering the common features; 6) interpretation of results targeting the answer of the proposed question; 7) establishing the evidence found in such studies. Results: Amongst 316 articles found in the data base, 8 suit the inclusion criterion. All of them point out the relevance in hearing loss variation, form of evaluation, environmental conditions, cognition and the importance of the continuation of more longitudinal surveys about the theme. Conclusion: This integrative review answers partially the hypothesis raised initially, for it has been verified that the decrease of hearing acuity influences in posture alterations and/or physical balance of elderly