Balance function after cochlear implant and inner ear anomaly: Comparison of dynamic posturography.

INTRODUCTION

Patients with sensorineural hearing loss suffer concomitant vestibular dysfunction that is more prevalent in patients with inner ear anomaly and could be aggravated with cochlear implantation. To assess the vestibular dysfunction in patients with cochlear implantation, we compared their results with those of patients with and without inner ear anomaly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a historical cohort study lasting for 20 years on 50 patients with cochlear implantation. All patients underwent dynamic posturography and Bruininks-Oseretsky Test.

RESULTS

Twenty-two (44%) of the participants showed some types of inner ear anomaly. The frequency of abnormal Bruininks-Oseretsky Test was 45.5% and 10.7% ( = .005, odds ratio [OR] = 6.9). Abnormal composite was seen in 77.3% and 21.4%, respectively ( < .001; OR = 12.5). The mean strategy score in the fifth condition of the sensory organization test was 25.0 ± 20.4 in patients with inner ear anomaly, whereas it was 44.1 ± 18.9 in those without it ( = .001).

CONCLUSION

Balance capability in cochlear implantation patients with inner ear anomaly compared to those without inner ear anomaly was worse. More vestibular rehabilitation treatment plans are suggested for these patients.