Affiliations: Department for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: PD Dr. med. Leif Erik Walther, Department of Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Tel.: +49 241 8085080; Fax: +49 241 8082523; E-mail: leif.walther@web.de
Abstract: Imbalance is a common clinical problem in elderly persons. Subsequently falls and fractures may occur. Age-related balance problems constitute an underestimated but prominent public health problem and a socioeconomic burden. At the histological level the peripheral vestibular system in animals and humans exhibits a variety of age-related changes. The number of otoconia in the utricule and the saccule is reduced with increasing age. Degenerated otoconia caused by aging showed distinct changes of the shape. Moreover age-related decreasing hair cell counts, lipofuscin inclusions and deformation of cilia are observed in human vestibular sensory and supporting cells. Results of vestibular function testing of age-related balance disorders still remain controversially. Regular balance training and vestibular rehabilitation results in less more falls and imbalance.
