Implications of Concurrent Vestibular Dysfunction in Pediatric Hearing Loss

AbstractPurpose of the ReviewIt is known that the prevalence of vestibular impairment in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is high and can lead to balance deficits. In this review, we look beyond balance and consider the impact of this multisensory deficit on neurocognitive function and navigation with the aim of explaining some of the variability in outcomes seen in cochlear implant populations, considering how to ameliorate these outcomes with targeted rehabilitative strategies.Recent FindingsCongenital or early acquired vestibular impairment associated with SNHL impacts multiple cognitive domains including spatial memory. The attentional demands of maintaining postural stability are also significant and receive priority over other competing tasks, leading to a broader impact in everyday life.SummaryVestibular impairment is common in children with SNHL and impacts their daily function. Early recognition of vestibular deficits is key and several promising therapeutic approaches, including the restoration of bilateral and potentially binaural hearing, are currently under investigation.
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research