Electronystagmographic findings in profoundly hearing-impaired children

Electronystamographic recordings revealed spontaneous or positional nystagmus in 62 (43%) of 144 profoundly hearing-impaired children. Uni-or bilaterally depressed caloric reactions were found in 78 (54%) subjects. Caloric reactions were significantly lower when the cause of deafness was of perinatal or postnatal origin. Depressed caloric reactions were common findings (81%) in the group with poorest hearing (greater than 100 dB ISO). The examination revealed a high incidence of partial vestibular damage in children attending schools for the deaf and it stresses the need for rehabilitation in this field, as well.