Author/Editor		Dawidowsky, Krsto; Branica, Srećko; Šprem, Nikola; Kovač, Lana
Title		Cochlear implantation and vestibular function
Type		članek
Source		Med Razgl
Vol. and No.		Letnik 43, št. Suppl 3
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 55-7
Language		eng
Abstract		The inner ear is a unique organ with two major functions: hearing, connected mainly with the cochlea, and balance. The only chance for people with bilateral deafness to hear is via cochlear implantation. Patients who underwent this procedure had only a minor balance dysfunction or none at all. In a group of patients with otosclerosis who were operated 20 to 35 years ago, 54% had vertigo 3 days postoperatively and 21% had vertigo 6 days postoperatively. In these patients, opening of the inner ear is also performed, close to the site of cochleostomy in patients with cochlear implants. After the procedure, contrary to patients with cochlear implants, patients with otosclerosis have major balance disturbances lasting for several days after the surgery. Our patients were divided in two groups. The test group consisted of people with bilateral deafness who had undergone cochlear implantation. The contral group consisted of patients suffering from otosclerosis. The inner ear balance was measured in both groups 1 day before surgery and 3 days after surgery using computerized craniocorporography (C-CCG). Our study shows that people who have a damaged inner ear hearing center also have a dysfunction of the inner ear balance center.
Descriptors		COCHLEAR IMPLANT VESTIBULAR FUNCTION TESTS