Postural control before and after cochlear implantation: standard cochleostomy versus round window approach.
CONCLUSIONS
The approach to the cochlea did not influence postural control after cochlear implantation (CI) surgery. Most patients already have impaired vestibular function before surgery. These balance deficits did not change after CI surgery in the majority of patients but static balance might be improved by CI surgery.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the technique used to insert the CI electrode has an influence on vestibular function.


METHODS
Static and dynamic postural control and caloric vestibular function were measured prospectively before and after CI surgery in 36 CI patients with standard cochleostomy (SC) insertion and 16 patients with insertion across the round window (RW). The test battery consisted of the modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB), the Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS), the Walk Across (WA), and the Tandem Walk (TW) test.


RESULTS
Caloric testing was normal in the majority of CI candidates and remained normal after surgery. mCTSIB results were not significantly different before and after CI surgery between the SC and RW groups. Within both subgroups, the mCTSIB composite value improved within 6 weeks after surgery compared with the values obtained before surgery. Dynamic standing balance showed no postoperative change in RWS.
Kluenter
Heinz-Dieter
HD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
Lang-Roth
Ruth
R
Beutner
Dirk
D
Hüttenbrink
Karl-Bernd
KB
Guntinas-Lichius
Orlando
O
D000328:Adult; D002150:Caloric Tests; D002648:Child; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies