Investigation of balance and cognitive abilities of young adults wi̇th cochlear implant under DUAL-task condition

The aim of this study was to examine the balance abilities of young adults with cochlear implants in a dual-task condition. For this purpose, 15 young adults with cochlear implants and 15 healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 were included in the study. In the study, balance assessments were made using the Sensory Organization Test via Computerized Dynamic Posturography. Backward Digit Recall task was applied as an additional cognitive task. Visual (p=0.016), vestibular (p<0.001) and composite balance scores (p<0.001) of cochlear implant users were statistically significantly lower than the control group. Condition 3 (p=0.003), Condition 4 (p=0.007), and Condition 6 (p<0.001) balance scores of cochlear implant users in the single-task condition were statistically significantly lower than controls. Condition 3 (p=0.041) and Condition 6 (p<0.001) balance scores of cochlear implant users in the dual-task condition were statistically significantly lower than the control group. Condition 1 score (p=0.002) of cochlear implant users in the dual-task condition showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the balance score in the single-task condition, while the Condition 6 score (p=0.011) in the dual-task condition was statistically significantly higher than the balance score in the single-task condition. According to the findings of the balance skills of individuals with cochlear implants in both single-task and dual-task conditions, it was concluded that the balance performance of individuals with unilateral cochlear implants in the dual-task condition deteriorated. It can be suggested that dual-task performances should be included in the vestibular rehabilitation process in cochlear implant users in the implantation process in terms of balance abilities in multitasking conditions and risk of falling.