The effects of cochlear implantation on vestibular function in 1-4 years old children.
OBJECTIVE
Although cochlear implants offer an effective hearing restoration option in children with severe to profound hearing loss, concern continues to exist regarding the possible effects of cochlear implantation on the vestibular system and balance.


METHODS
In a prospective cohort study, 27 children with bilateral profound hearing loss (all candidates for cochlear implantation) were evaluated for their vestibular function before and after cochlear implantation. Vestibular evaluations consisted of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials, caloric testing and the Head-Impulse Test.


RESULTS
Mean age at the time of cochlear implantation was 27.19 months. Without considering vestibular evaluation results, one of the ears was selected for surgery. Vestibular tests after surgery were not indicative of any statistically significant change in vestibular system or balance.


CONCLUSIONS
This limited data shows that cochlear implantation did not impair the vestibular system of these patients. By the results of our study we may conclude that round window implantation does not have any disturbing impact on vestibular function in children. The generalization of this result needs further research.
Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad
M
Ajalloueyan
Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Masoumeh
M
Saeedi
Otorhinolaryngology Department, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: sadeghi.m@bmsu.ac.ir.
Mohammad
M
Sadeghi
Audiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farzaneh
F
Zamiri Abdollahi
D002150:Caloric Tests; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003638:Deafness / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D064087:Head Impulse Test; D006312:Hearing Loss, Bilateral / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012405:Round Window, Ear; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D058585:Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth
Cochlear implant; Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials; Vestibular system