International Journal of Audiology, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR). Design: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional research design to examine the relationship between unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Study Sample: The study included 76 participants (42 women, 34 men) aged 18–50, comprising individuals with unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss and healthy controls. All completed a Demographic Data Form and underwent v-HIT and f-HIT assessments. Results: The f-HIT revealed statistically significant differences among the affected ear, unaffected ear, and control groups in lateral SCC performance at 4000–6000°/s2, posterior SCC performance at 3000–6000°/s2 and in overall percentage of correct answers (%CA) (p < 0.05). The v-HIT showed significant group differences in VOR gain values for all SCCs and in asymmetry between case and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A decrease in the gain and functionality of the vestibulo-ocular reflex has been observed in individuals with unilateral idiopathic severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. İnvolvement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex pathway has also been noted on the side without hearing loss.