Vestibular and balance function is often impaired in children with profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Publication date: Available online 3 April 2018
Source:Hearing Research
Author(s): Meirav Sokolov, Karen A. Gordon, Melissa Polonenko, Susan I. Blaser, Blake C. Papsin, Sharon L. Cushing
RationaleChildren with unilateral deafness could have concurrent vestibular dysfunction which would be associated with balance deficits and potentially impair overall development. The prevalence of vestibular and balance deficits remains to be defined in these children.MethodsTwenty children with unilateral deafness underwent comprehensive vestibular and balance evaluation.ResultsRetrospective review revealed that more than half of the cohort demonstrated some abnormality of the vestibular end organs (otoliths and horizontal canal), with the prevalence of end organ specific dysfunction ranging from 17 to 48% depending on organ tested and method used. In most children, impairment occurred only on the deaf side. Children with unilateral deafness also displayed significantly poorer balance function than their normal hearing peers.ConclusionsThe prevalence of vestibular dysfunction in children with unilateral deafness is high and similar to that of children with bilateral deafness. Vestibular and balance evaluation should be routine and the functional impact of combined vestibulo-cochlear sensory deficits considered.



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