Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology (Feb 2021)

Changes in Vestibular Symptoms and Function After Cochlear Implantation: Relevant Factors and Correlations With Residual Hearing

  • Jeong Hun Jang,
  • Hantai Kim,
  • Oak-Sung Choo,
  • Hun Yi Park,
  • Yun-Hoon Choung

DOI
https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2019.01851
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 69 – 75

Abstract

Read online

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibular function loss after cochlear implantation (CI) and the relationship between vestibular function and hearing changes. Methods Seventy-five patients with CI were enrolled and divided into those with normal preoperative caloric function (group I) and those with a normal preoperative waveform in cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (c-VEMP) testing (group II). The relationship between hearing and changes in the vestibular system was analyzed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results In group I, unilateral weakness on the implanted side was detected in five (7.7%) and eight (12.3%) patients at 3 and 6 months post-CI, respectively. By 3 months post-CI, the total slow-phase velocity (SPV; warm and cold stimulations) was significantly different between the implanted and non-implanted sides (P=0.011), and the shift in total SPV from pre- to post-CI was significantly correlated with the average hearing threshold at 6 months post-CI. In group II, an abnormal c-VEMP was detected on the implanted side in six patients (16.2%) at 3 months post-CI, and in six patients (16.2%) at 6 months post-CI. Significant changes were noticed in the P1 and N1 amplitude at 3 months postCI (P=0.027 and P=0.019, respectively). Conclusion Vestibular function and residual hearing function should be afforded equal and simultaneous consideration in terms of preservation.

Keywords