Cochlear implants in children with vestibular hypofunction

ObjectiveThe aim of this work was to evaluate the long term effect of cochlear implants electrical stimulation on the function of a hypo-excitable lateral semicircular canal and saccule.MethodsA total number of 45 children (21 males and 24 females) between 5 and 6 years of age were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss and bilateral or unilateral hypofunction of the peripheral vestibular system. All of the subjects received multichannel cochlear implants. An initial vestibular system assessment was done prior to implantation by bithermal caloric irrigation and vestibular myogenic evoked potential (VEMP). Vestibular evaluation was done 1, 12 and 24 months after switching on the device.ResultsNineteen subjects (42%) showed improvement of the lateral canal response and 10 of them showed identifiable VEMP response at 90 and 100 dBnHL.ConclusionWhile the results of the current study showed positive impact of the CI on the hypoexcitable vestibular system. The late effects of chronic electrical stimulation on the vestibular system need to be further assessed.