Vestibular function following unilateral cochlear implantation for profound sensorineural hearing loss.
BACKGROUND
Many Canadians are affected by sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and those with severe or profound hearing loss may have poor hearing function despite optimized hearing aids. Cochlear implants (CI) offer effective hearing rehabilitation for these patients, however, concern continues to exist regarding possible effects of CI on the vestibular system and balance. The objective of this study was to conduct a pilot study assessing the effects of unilateral cochlear implantation (CI) on balance and the vestibular system in post-lingually deafened adults.


METHODS
Twelve patients were included in this pilot study and were assessed pre-operatively and at immediate, 1 week, and 1 month post-operative intervals. Assessments consisted of the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), subjective visual vertical (SVV), and timed up-and-go testing (TUG). When applicable, testing was repeated with the CI on and off.


RESULTS
Many patients were found to have deviated SVV at pre-operative and post-operative assessments. However, statistically significant changes were not seen when comparing pre-operative and post-operative SVV or when comparing SVV with the CI on and with the CI off. DHI was found to improve in five patients and worsen in two patients, however, no statistically significant change was found in DHI scores or with TUG testing.


CONCLUSIONS
This current pilot study does not indicate that CI surgery or implant activity influence vestibular or balance function, however, this pilot study is underpowered and greater numbers of patients would need be assessed to confirm these findings.
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, Rm 3S438, RFE building, Toronto, ON, M5G2N2, Canada. Gavin.leNobel@utoronto.ca.|University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Gavin.leNobel@utoronto.ca.|Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON, Canada. Gavin.leNobel@utoronto.ca.
Gavin J
GJ
le Nobel
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, Rm 3S438, RFE building, Toronto, ON, M5G2N2, Canada.|University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.|Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Euna
E
Hwang
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Adrian
A
Wu
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, Rm 3S438, RFE building, Toronto, ON, M5G2N2, Canada.|University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.|Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Sharon
S
Cushing
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, Rm 3S438, RFE building, Toronto, ON, M5G2N2, Canada.|University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.|Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Vincent Y
VY
Lin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*
Cochlear implant; Sensorineural hearing loss; Vestibular dysfunction