Impact of cochlear implant on vestibular function in adult patients

Bibliographic identification IŠTOKOVÁ, Lucie. The influence of cochlear implant on vestibular function in adult patients. Prague: Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, 2020. 58 p., Appendices. Thesis supervisor Mgr. Klára Kučerová. Abstract Severe hearing loss is standardly treated by cochlear implantation. Considering the anatomical proximity and interconnection to the vestibulocochlear nerve, it is possible to influence vestibular functions. The aim of this diploma thesis is to evaluate the effect of unilateral cochlear implantation on postural stability and vestibular function in adult patients with severe hearing loss caused postlingually. Eleven patients aged 28-72 were examined the day before surgery, the day after surgery, and on average 25 days after surgery. The evaluation consisted of short-form Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Timed Up and Go testing (TUG), static stabilometry and the perception of the subjective visual vertical (SVV) static and dynamic. Significant deterioration of TUG and SVV was recorded particularly immediately after surgery. In dynamic SVV, especially, when the field of view rotated to the left. Considerable results in stabilometry were only when standing on a hard surface with eyes closed. Improvements in TUG, SVV..