Abstract

The use of cochlear implantation (CI) to treat hearing loss is increasing. The growing elderly population and disability arising from hearing impairment have prompted increasing demand for advanced hearing rehabilitation. The number of implantations is increasing. 

In the Nordic countries limited documentation exists of the effect of cochlear implantation among adults and knowledge of basic vestibular changes measured with contemporary vestibular tools remains limited.

1. We performed a prospective study in adult first-time recipients of a cochlear implant and evaluated the effect on hearing with a Danish and an international test system as well as questionnaires. 

2. We evaluated the preoperative vestibular screening program among children and adults, focusing on the clinical implications as well as challenges. 

3. We retrospectively examined the (long-term) significance of CI for vestibular function among children and adults with pre- and postoperative vestibular examinations. 

4. We prospectively examined the vestibular function measured with a comprehensive battery of objective and subjective measures before and after CI surgery. 

Overall, the thesis documents a high benefit of CI on hearing loss, but as concomitant adverse effects on vestibular function are common, vestibular screening before surgery is war anted, and routine postimplantation assessment of vestibular function should be considered.

Place of employment

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology

PhD author

Niels Cramer West, cand.med.

Date of defense

27th November 2020, Rigshospitalet

Supervisors

Principal supervisor

Co-supervisor

Links

PubMed