The Early Postoperative Effects of Cochlear Implantation on Horizontal Semicircular Canal Function

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To use video head impulse testing to examine the effect of cochlear implantation (CI) on horizontal SCC vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain early after surgery, and to relate outcomes to subjective imbalance. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven (23F:14M) adult cochlear implant recipients (mean age, 55; age range, 20-80). INTERVENTION: Cochlear implantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The VOR of the horizontal semicircular canal of both the operated and non-operated ears was examined using video head impulse testing before surgery and at days 1, 7, and 28 following surgery. VOR gain, VOR gain asymmetry, and the chang..