Preliminary Feasibility Observations of Concurrent Vestibular and Auditory Stimulation During Speech-in-Noise Testing
DOI: Pending DOI
Synopsis
Preliminary proof-of-concept observations were performed to evaluate concurrent non-invasive galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) and auditory amplification during speech-in-noise testing in hearing aid users. Acute same-session testing using QuickSIN demonstrated measurable trends toward improved speech-in-noise performance in some listening conditions during concurrent vestibular-auditory stimulation compared with conventional amplification alone. These findings support further investigation of multimodal vestibular-auditory neuromodulation approaches and future wearable translational platforms for auditory rehabilitation.
Background
Speech-in-noise difficulty remains a major limitation for many hearing aid users despite advances in amplification technology. Emerging evidence suggests functional interactions between vestibular and auditory neural pathways, supporting investigation of multimodal neuromodulation approaches that combine vestibular stimulation with auditory rehabilitation strategies. Non-invasive galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) has previously demonstrated effects on balance, sensory integration, and neural modulation, but its potential role in auditory rehabilitation and speech-in-noise performance remains incompletely explored. This preliminary feasibility work evaluated concurrent vestibular and auditory stimulation during speech-in-noise testing in hearing aid users.
Methods
Preliminary proof-of-concept testing was performed during acute same-session evaluations using simultaneous auditory amplification and non-invasive galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVAS). Hearing aid users underwent comparative speech-in-noise testing using QuickSIN under different listening conditions with back-to-back testing paradigms. Testing focused on feasibility observations and acute changes in speech-in-noise performance during concurrent vestibular-auditory stimulation compared with conventional amplification conditions. This work was exploratory and intended to guide future controlled investigations and wearable translational system development.
Results
Preliminary observations demonstrated measurable trends toward improved speech-in-noise performance in some tested conditions during concurrent vestibular and auditory stimulation compared with conventional amplification alone. Improvements varied across listening conditions and subjects during acute same-session testing. Findings suggested feasibility of vestibular-auditory interaction during challenging listening tasks and supported continued investigation of multimodal neuromodulation approaches for auditory rehabilitation. No adverse events were observed during the preliminary testing sessions.
Discussion
These preliminary feasibility observations support continued investigation of multimodal vestibular-auditory neuromodulation approaches for speech-in-noise rehabilitation. Although the present work was exploratory and involved acute same-session testing, the observed trends support the possibility of functional vestibular-auditory interactions during challenging listening tasks. Future studies may include larger controlled evaluations, repeated-use paradigms, and development of wearable and potentially gel-free vestibular neuromodulation platforms designed for integration with hearing technologies and other non-invasive neuromodulation modalities.
Disclosures
The author reports no commercial financial conflicts related to this preliminary feasibility work.
References
1. Curthoys IS, et al. Vestibular contributions to auditory and cognitive processing.
2. Mulavara AP, et al. Noise galvanic vestibular stimulation and sensory modulation research.