Evaluation of long term vestibular functions by using vestibular evoked myogenic potentials after cochlear implantation(bionic ear)

Objective: Cochlear implantation is an operation in which important complications can take place in both peroperative, early and late postperative periods. Among these vestibular complaints have special consideration. The aim of tis study was to evaluate the long therm functions of vestibular system in patients underwent cochlear implantation surgery. Planing : Prospective, controlled clinical study. Center: Başkent University, Faculty of Medicine, Otolaryngology Deparment, Konya Study Group:Thirty five patients under 18 years old with cochlear implantation after after at least a year from the operation were included to the study. Contro group included 35 voluntary patients under 18 years who had no complaint about vestibular system. Method : Cervical and ocular VEMP vestibular evoked myogenic patentials testing were achieved in both control and cochlear implantation groups. Results were compared between the groups. Results: Rate of Existence of cVEMP and P1 latency in children with implants did not significontly differ in between the operated and non operated ears(p=0,802 and p=0,123 respedively). On the other hand in control group, c VEMP significonly was highly achiaevable compared to both operated and non operated ears of children with cochlear implants. P1 latancies of operated ears were significontly shorter than the contro group(p=0,046). There were no significont difference between the P1 latancies of control group and non operated ears of study group(p=0,746). As c VEMPS, rate of existence of o VEMP and P1 latancies in children with cochlear implants did not significontly diffe in between the operated nonoperated ears(respectively p=0,078 and p=0,851). In control group, o VEMP was significontly high achievable compaierd to both operated and nonoperated ears of children with cochlear implantation. There were no statisticaly significont difference between n1 latencies of the two groups (p>0,05). Conclusion : Possible vestibular and organ impairments of the patients as in cochlear functions and possible vestibular damage during the operation are important factors about postoperative vestibular functions. Most of the symptomps are transient and moderate. With propriate physical exercises and madical therapy considerable improvement can be achieved in vestibular complaints.