Abstract
Aim: Cochlear implantation is a standard surgical procedure, with great benefit to the patient. However, according to recent studies, the function of vestibular system may be affected after surgery.
The aim of the study was to investigate vestibular function in patients before and after cochlear implantation. Patients and methods: We examined a total of 10 patients before surgery, 1 day after surgery, and 14 days after surgery.
As a control group, we examined 10 patients before and after middle ear surgery. To investigate the functions of the vestibular system, we used the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire and examination of the perception of subjective visual vertical.
Results: According to the questionnaire, none of the patients reported dizziness before surgery. In the early stage after cochlear implantation, four patients experienced dizziness in the overall mild handicap score and after 14 days, dizziness persisted in one patient.
The perception of the subjective visual vertical before surgery was above the norm in four patients. In the early phase after the surgery, the results were above the norm in nine patients.
After 14 days, average results were above the norm values in three patients. In the control group, patients did not report dizziness and there was not any difference in perception of the subjective visual vertical.
Conclusion: These findings confirm that objective examination after cochlear implantation showed deviations from the norm, but subjective complaint resulting from malfunction of vestibular system were minimal.