ASSOCIATION OF HEARING IMPAIRMENT WITH BALANCE AND FUNCTIONAL DECLINE IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Age-related hearing impairment is common among older adults and has been linked to slower gait, impaired balance, and increased fall risk. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) contributes independently to functional decline through pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, and impaired proprioception. However, the combined effect of hearing impairment and knee OA on balance and functional performance remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the association of hearing impairment with balance and functional decline in elderly individuals with knee OA. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the District Disability. Rehabilitation Centre, Pradhanmantri Divyasha Kendra, Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, India. Sixty participants aged ≥55 years with confirmed knee OA were allocated by purposive sampling into two groups: Group A (knee OA with hearing impairment; n = 30) and Group B (knee OA without hearing impairment; n = 30). Functional disability was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Between-group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and associations between variables were examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Group A exhibited significantly higher WOMAC scores (79.51 ± 10.40) than Group B (75.65 ± 6.10, p = 0.0087), indicating greater functional impairment. TUG times were prolonged in Group A (20.25 ± 4.65) compared to Group B (12.80 ± 2.07, p < 0.001), reflecting reduced dynamic balance and mobility. These results suggested that hearing impairment compounded functional decline in elderly individuals with knee OA. Elderly individuals with knee OA and hearing impairment showed significantly poorer balance and functional performance compared to those without hearing loss. Therefore, integrating auditory assessment and management into physiotherapy interventions to reduce fall risk and enhance functional independence in this population.