The Impact of Hearing Loss Severity on Balance Intervention Outcomes

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this study is to learn about how hearing loss impacts balance intervention outcomes and risk of falling in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: How does the evidence-based A Matter of Balance (AMOB) program affect older adults' falls risk and balance-related measures? Is the severity of someone's hearing loss related to their balance intervention (AMOB) outcomes? Participants will: Complete a hearing and balance test Answer some questions about their background and health history, their thoughts about potential falls and how this impacts them, and their current physical activity level Participate in the A Matter of Balance Program, an evidence-based program that includes group discussion, activities, and exercises to reduce fall risk

Official Title
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The Impact of Hearing Loss Severity on Balance Intervention Outcomes

Conditions
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Hearing Loss, Fall, Postural Balance

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: age of 60 years old or greater absence of any major physical or health condition that would prevent participation in the intervention sessions English speaking Exclusion Criteria: severe balance disorder diagnosis uncorrected severe vision impairment

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: A Matter of Balance Program<br> | Behavioral: A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns about Falls<br>* A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program targeting physical activity and fall prevention for adults 60 years of age and older. This program incorporates active learning discussions and activities along with exercise training to reduce the fear of falling, improve fall efficacy and management, and increase physical activity levels in older adults.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in postural sway from baseline to after completion of AMOB | Postural sway will be assessed using a Balance Tracking Systems pressure plate. | baseline and within 1 month post training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in balance confidence from baseline to after completion of AMOB | Assessed via the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale. Each item is rated as a percentage reflecting an individual's level of confidence in being able to perform the activity without losing their balance (0% - no confidence, 100% - completely confident). The ratings are then averaged across the 16 items for the total score. A higher score suggests higher self confidence related to balance. | baseline and within 1 month post training | 
| Change in falls risk from baseline to after completion of AMOB | Assessed via Falls Risk Questionnaire. Point values are allocated to each questionnaire item (range: 0-14) with higher scores suggesting a greater falls risk. | baseline and within 1 month post training |