Balance in Children With Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implantation is performed in children with sensorineural hearing loss to restore
hearing. Fifty percent of children with sensory neural hearing loss, who are candidates for
cochlear implant, have vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction prior to surgery. Anatomically, the
cochlea, semicircular canals, and otolith organs are located in close proximity in the inner
ear and any procedure in the cochlea may affect the vestibular system, resulting in
subsequent balance impairment. In addition, the process of implantation often results in
further suppression of vestibular function necessary to develop normal balance. Vestibular
dysfunction predisposes these children to balance impairments that can affect the normal
development of gross motor skills such as sitting, standing, and walking. These balance and
gross motor deficits may predispose the child to difficulties with safe community
participation resulting in lower quality of life for the child and family.

Evidence in the literature suggests that children with vestibular loss do not recover to the
same levels as their peers, especially in the area of activities requiring vestibular input
for balance.

The purpose of this descriptive study is to examine balance, vestibular function, and gross
motor skills in children following cochlear implantation over a period of one year. Children,
ages 1 year to 5 years will be tested post cochlear implant , and at 6 and 12 months
subsequent to initial testing, using clinically based tests of vestibular impairment (head
impulse test, post rotary nystagmus or head shake nystagmus), balance (Pediatric Balance
Scale) and gross motor skill development (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd edition).
Quality of life will be assessed using the Life-H (Assessment of Life Habits).