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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Dual-task and balance performance in children with bilateral cochlear implants: The role of hearing loss and
Fatma Kübra Çekok1, Ayşenur Gökşen1, Özgül Akın Şenkal2
1Tarsus University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Tarsus, Mersin, Turkey.
Objective:
This study aimed to examine the relationship between profound hearing loss, balance, and dual-task performance in children with bilateral cochlear implants and to compare these parameters between early and late cochlear implantation groups.
Methods:
Sixty children with bilateral cochlear implants and profound congenital hearing loss (>90 dB) participated in this cross-sectional study. Balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Figure-of-Eight Walk Test (F8WT), and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Dual-task performance was evaluated by performing concurrent cognitive and motor tasks during the TUG and F8WT, and dual-task cost (DTC) values were calculated. Participants were categorised into two groups based on the age of cochlear implantation: early implantation (<3 years old) and late implantation (≥3 years old).
Results:
The early implantation group (n = 30) performed significantly better on the PBS (p = 0.004) and TUG-Cognitive (p = 0.044). Although no significant differences were observed for other measures, trends generally favoured early implantation. In the full cohort, DTC-cognitive values were higher than motor values, particularly in the F8WT, where the median DTC for cognitive tasks was 28.35 %, compared to 8.88 % for motor tasks. Significant differences were observed between conditions for both the TUG and F8WT (p < 0.001), with cognitive dual-task conditions requiring more time. Hearing loss is strongly correlated with balance and dual-task performance, particularly for cognitive tasks.
Conclusion:
Hearing loss significantly affects balance and dual-task performance, with a stronger impact on cognitive-motor integration. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to improve both balance and cognitive function in children with hearing impairments.
