Hearing loss, gait and balance impairments and falls among individuals with sub-acute stroke: A comparative cross-sectional study

Hearing loss is more prevalent among patients with sub-acute stroke compared with age-sex-matched controls. Hearing loss is also associated with gait and balance impairments and falls among sub-acute stroke patients. We recommend that hearing screening and rehabilitation be incorporated into post-stroke rehabilitation programmes as part of strategies to improve balance and gait and reduce or prevent falls.