Study of the effects of hearing on static and dynamic postural function in children using cochlear implants

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Children with unilateral cochlear implants and bilateral vestibular hypofunction often experience impaired postural control.
• Vestibular deficits can significantly impact balance and increase the risk of falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of cochlear implant activation on postural control in children with vestibular hypofunction.
• To analyze center of pressure (COP) parameters under different conditions with the cochlear implant (CI) on and off.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five children (8-10 years) with unilateral CIs and bilateral vestibular hypofunction participated.
• Postural control was assessed using force plate measurements under three conditions: eyes open/closed, dual-task, and single-leg stance.
• Custom software was used to calculate COP parameters.

Main Results:

• With the CI on, significant improvements in COP parameters (anterior-posterior and mediolateral displacement, area, mean velocity) were observed in open eyes during double stance.
• No significant differences in postural control were found between CI on and off states during dual-task conditions.
• The CI on condition showed significant improvements in mean velocity (double leg stance) and anterior-posterior displacement (one leg stance).

Conclusions:

• Auditory input from cochlear implants can positively influence postural stability in children with compromised balance systems.
• Cochlear implants may serve as a compensatory system to reinforce postural control in individuals with vestibular deficits.
• Targeted auditory stimulation could be a valuable adjunct therapy for improving balance in this population.