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The effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children: A pilot study
Banu Mujdeci1, Sevginar Önder2, Serpil Alluşoğlu2
1Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Science, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Early cochlear implantation (CI) in children did not impact overall functional balance. However, it was associated with poorer performance in challenging static balance tests and more dizziness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Vestibular function
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Age at cochlear implantation (CI) is a critical factor influencing auditory development and rehabilitation outcomes in children.
- Understanding the impact of CI timing on non-auditory functions, such as balance, is crucial for comprehensive pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of age at cochlear implantation on the balance abilities of children.
- To compare balance performance between children who received CI before 48 months (Early CI Group) and those who received it at or after 48 months (Late CI Group).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 40 children, divided into Early CI (n=20) and Late CI (n=20) groups.
- Balance was assessed using the Tandem Romberg (TR) test, Single-Leg Stance (SLS) test, Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (P-CTSIB), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in TR (eyes open), SLS (eyes open), PBS, and TUG scores, or dizziness incidence between the groups.
- The Early CI Group demonstrated significantly longer durations for TR (eyes closed) and SLS (eyes closed), and in P-CTSIB positions 5 and 6, indicating impaired balance in challenging static conditions.
Conclusions:
- While early cochlear implantation does not appear to affect general functional balance in children, it may lead to difficulties in static balance tasks and an increased prevalence of dizziness.
- These findings suggest that specific balance training or monitoring may be beneficial for children implanted at an earlier age.
Aim:
The evaluation of the effects of age at cochlear implantation on balance in children.
Research Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Study Sample:
Twenty children who received their cochlear implants (CI) before the chronologic age of 48 months (Early CI Group), and 20 children who received their CI at 48 months chronologic age or later (Late CI Group).
Intervention:
All children underwent Tandem Romberg (TR) test, Single-Leg stance (SLS) test, Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance (P-CTSIB), Pediatric Balance scale (PBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
Data Collection And Analysis:
The scores of TR, SLS and P-CTSIB and TUG tests and PBS were recorded. Mann Whitney U test and Independent-samples t-test were used to compare data between groups.
Results:
TR (eyes opened-EO), SLS (EO), PBS, and TUG scores and incidence in dizziness symptoms did not show significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Duration of TR and SLS tests (eyes closed-EC), P-CTSIB-positions 5, and 6 were significantly longer in the Early CI Group than the Late implanted group(p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Although the age of cochlear implantation did not affect functional balance for children, it has been found to cause impaired balance performance in difficult static conditions and increased frequency of dizziness.
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