Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology

Evaluation of vestibular function following cochlear implant surgery

Document Type : Original

Authors
Masoud Motesaddi Zandi
Maryam Emadi
Mohammad Taghi Khorsandi Ashtiani
Abdorreza Sheibanizadeh
Farzad Moobedshahi
E.N.T Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijorl.2009.709
Abstract
Introduction: There are contradictory reports regarding vestibular function after cochlear implant surgery. In this study, we evaluated the influence of cochlear implant surgery on vestibular function by comparing the results of caloric test in both ears of patients who received implants.
Materials and Methods: 24 adult patients who had undergone cochlear implant surgery at least 6 months earlier, were participated in this study. Caloric test with the stimulus of cold and warm water was performed on both ears of each patient and results were compared with each other regarding unilateral weakness, directional preponderance and areflexia.
Results: The differences between two ears regarding directional preponderance, unilateral weakness and areflexia were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: It seems the pathological cause of deafness is a more influential factor on vestibular dysfunction than the damage following cochlear implant surgery.
Keywords
Vestibular dysfunction
Cochlear implant surgery
Electronistagmography
Caloric test
Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume 21, Issue 55 - Serial Number 55
March and April 2009
Pages 7-10