Early-Term Effect of Bilateral Sequential Cochlear Implantation on the Audiovestibular Function of Paediatric Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study

/OBJECTIVES: Sequential bilateral cochlear implantation is being increasingly considered in paediatric patients with bilateral profound hearing loss, particularly when the contralateral ear shows limited residual hearing or poor speech discrimination. Although auditory benefits of a second cochlear implant (CI2) have been reported, concerns remain regarding possible vestibular impairment after surgery....

As a small prospective pilot, results are hypothesis-generating only; clinicians should monitor balance function after bilateral sequential cochlear implantation in children but should not alter implantation protocols based solely on this study.

Understanding the early impact of bilateral sequential cochlear implantation on both hearing and vestibular (balance) function in children is critical for counseling families and refining surgical and rehabilitation protocols.

1. 01Prospective pilot study design in pediatric patients with bilateral profound hearing loss.
2. 02Both auditory and vestibular (balance) outcomes were assessed after each sequential implant.
3. 03Short-term (early-term) effects were the focus — long-term outcomes remain unknown.
4. 04Findings have implications for pre-operative counseling regarding balance risks in children.
5. 05Published in Brain Sciences; small sample size typical of pilot studies limits generalizability.

PMID

42352588

DOI

10.3390/brainsci16060579.

Journal

Brain Sciences

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Pediatric patients with bilateral profound hearing loss undergoing sequential cochlear implantation

Intervention

Bilateral sequential cochlear implantation