Perspectives of Older Adults With Hearing Loss on Vibrotactile Neurofeedback Balance Training.

  • Published In: American Journal of Audiology, 2025, v. 34, n. 3. P. 551 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Foster, Jacinta I.; Timmer, Barbra H. B.; Williams, Katrina L.; Brauer, Sandra G. 3 of 3

Abstract

Objectives: Sensory augmentation or "neurofeedback" devices have been used in balance rehabilitation to provide additional sensory information to complement natural sensory inputs and enhance sensory reweighting. The VertiGuard RT vibrotactile neurofeedback balance training system records body sway (direction, amplitude, and acceleration) via a wearable sensor and provides feedback to the wearer in real time via vibrotactile sensory feedback. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and usability of VertiGuard RT vibrotactile neuro-feedback balance training in older adults with hearing loss and describe the participants' overall perspectives of the device and training. Design: A mixed-methods design was used, including qualitative semistructured interviews analyzed using thematic analysis and the System Usability Scale for quantitative analysis. Study Sample: A subset of participants from a larger trial of the VertiGuard RT device (N = 14) of older adults with mild-to-profound hearing loss was recruited. Results: Participants found the VertiGuard RT training feasible; however, usability varied, with a number of challenges, including technical issues, challenge level of the exercises, and degree of feedback. Conclusion: This study provides suggestions for improving future iterations of the VertiGuard RT system and the design of technology-enhanced balance training systems for older adults. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.29289926 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Journal of Audiology. 2025/09, Vol. 34, Issue 3, p551
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1059-0889
  • DOI:10.1044/2025_AJA-25-00006
  • Accession Number:187706681
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of American Journal of Audiology is the property of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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