Meirav Sokolov1, Karen A Gordon2, Melissa Polonenko3, Susan I Blaser4, Blake C Papsin1, Sharon L Cushing5. 1. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada; Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada. 2. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada; Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Communication Disorders, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada. 3. Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada. 4. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada. 5. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada; Archie's Cochlear Implant Laboratory, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada. Electronic address: sharon.cushing@sickkids.ca.
Abstract
RATIONALE: Children 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. METHODS: Twenty children with unilateral deafness underwent comprehensive vestibular and balance evaluation. RESULTS: Retrospective 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. CONCLUSIONS: The 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.
RATIONALE: Children 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. METHODS: Twenty children with unilateral deafness underwent comprehensive vestibular and balance evaluation. RESULTS: Retrospective 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. CONCLUSIONS: The 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.
Authors: Sarie Martens; Ingeborg Dhooge; Cleo Dhondt; Saartje Vanaudenaerde; Marieke Sucaet; Lotte Rombaut; An Boudewyns; Christian Desloovere; Sebastien Janssens de Varebeke; Anne-Sophie Vinck; Robby Vanspauwen; Dominique Verschueren; Ina Foulon; Charlotte Staelens; Karen Van den Broeck; Claudia De Valck; Naima Deggouj; Nele Lemkens; Lisa Haverbeke; Mieke De Bock; Okan Öz; Frank Declau; Benoit Devroede; Christoph Verhoye; Leen Maes Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2020-12-03 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: Ruth Van Hecke; Frederik J A Deconinck; Jan R Wiersema; Chloe Clauws; Maya Danneels; Ingeborg Dhooge; Laura Leyssens; Hilde Van Waelvelde; Leen Maes Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2021-06-11 Impact factor: 2.692