Evaluation of vestibular function following cochlear implant surgery

Introduction: There are contradictory reports regarding vestibular function after cochlear implant surgery. In this study, we evaluated the influence of cochlear implant surgery on vestibular function by comparing the results of caloric test in both ears of patients who received implants. Materials and Methods: 24 adult patients who had undergone cochlear implant surgery at least 6 months earlier, were participated in this study. Caloric test with the stimulus of cold and warm water was performed on both ears of each patient and results were compared with each other regarding unilateral weakness, directional preponderance and areflexia. Results: The differences between two ears regarding directional preponderance, unilateral weakness and areflexia were not statistically significant. Conclusion: It seems the pathological cause of deafness is a more influential factor on vestibular dysfunction than the damage following cochlear implant surgery.