Using the gait disorientation test to measure spatial navigation in children with cochlear implants

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• The vestibular system is crucial for spatial orientation.
• Vestibular dysfunction is linked to spatial cognitive deficits in adults.
• Vestibular loss is common in children with cochlear implants (CCI), but its impact on their spatial cognition is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of hearing loss and combined hearing and vestibular loss on spatial navigation in children.
• To compare spatial cognitive performance in children with cochlear implants (CCI) and varying degrees of vestibular function against normally hearing children.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 84 children: children with normal hearing (CNH), CCI with normal vestibular function (CCI-NV), CCI with unilateral vestibular loss (CCI-UVL), and CCI with bilateral vestibular loss (CCI-BVL).
• Spatial navigation assessed using the Gait Disorientation Test (GDT).
• Motor proficiency (BOT-2) and vestibular function (vHIT) were also evaluated.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in Gait Disorientation Test (GDT) scores were found across all groups, indicating preserved spatial navigation.
• Children with CCI and vestibular loss showed significantly lower performance on balance tests (BOT-2).
• Gait speed during eyes-open walking was slower in normally hearing children and those with bilateral vestibular loss compared to those with CCI and normal vestibular function.

Conclusions:

• Children with vestibular loss, even those with cochlear implants (CCI), do not exhibit impaired spatial navigation compared to their peers.
• These findings suggest that children develop distinct compensatory strategies for vestibular loss, differing from adult responses.
• Early-life vestibular loss may not significantly hinder spatial navigation development due to unique neuroplasticity.