The Effect of Unilateral Saccular Dysfunction and Balance Deficits on Nonverbal Cognition and Auditory Perceptual Outcomes in Pediatric Cochlear Implantees

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVES: Vestibular dysfunction has implications for cognitive function, which in turn is important for the development of speech and language. A vestibular dysfunction after cochlear implantat (CI) surgery is not uncommon and therefore may be implicated in less-than-optimal cognitive function, which in turn could lead to worse post-implantation outcomes....

Audiologists fitting pediatric cochlear implant candidates should be aware that saccular dysfunction and balance deficits may co-occur with nonverbal cognitive and auditory perceptual differences, though the evidence is preliminary and does not yet support a change in implant candidacy or rehabilitation protocols.

Understanding the relationship between vestibular function, cognition, and auditory outcomes in pediatric cochlear implantees could inform more holistic pre- and post-implant assessments that go beyond hearing thresholds alone.

1. 01Unilateral saccular dysfunction was assessed in pediatric cochlear implant recipients alongside balance measures.
2. 02Study examined links between vestibular deficits and nonverbal cognition in implanted children.
3. 03Auditory perceptual outcomes were also compared relative to saccular and balance status.
4. 04Published in Ear and Hearing, a leading peer-reviewed audiology journal.
5. 05Findings may support broader vestibular screening in cochlear implant candidates.

PMID

42135884

DOI

10.1097/AUD.0000000000001810.

Journal

Ear and Hearing

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Population

Pediatric cochlear implant recipients with and without unilateral saccular dysfunction and balance deficits

Intervention

Assessment of unilateral saccular dysfunction and balance deficits

Comparator

Pediatric cochlear implantees without saccular dysfunction