Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
Performing Intracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Published on: March 8, 2022
Patients reported outcome post-cochlear implantation: how severe is their dizziness?
Faisal Zawawi1, Faisal Alobaid2, Tony Leroux3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, 687 Pine Ave West, Montreal, QC Canada ; Department Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Objectives:
The reported prevalence of vestibular dysfunction after cochlear implantation (CI) is varies between different scientific papers. The aim of this study is to determine the reported post-implantation outcome in terms of dizziness, and to measure its impact on quality of life using the Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI).
Methods:
This was a prospective questionnaire based study of postoperative cochlear implant patients. The questionnaire assessed the type and onset of dizziness in addition to the DHI.
Results:
122 patients were recruited in this study, which is the largest sample size in the literature reported so far. Dizziness was evident in 45.9% of the population post-CI and in 27% pre-CI. The commonest subtype of the dizziness was unsteadiness followed by lightheadedness. The dizziness was mild in most of the patients.
Conclusion:
Although mild, dizziness is a common complaint post-cochlear implantation. An understanding of symptoms helps counsel patients preoperatively.
