Cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential in children with sensorineural hearing loss with and without cochlear implant: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) form a major chunk of the population with hearing difficulty. Since the auditory system is close to the vestibular system and shares the common fluid, the abnormality in the auditory system might impair the functioning of the vestibular system. Main body of the abstract The present systematic review aimed at studying the application of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential responses (cVEMP and oVEMP) during assessment and rehabilitation of children with SNHL with and without a cochlear implant. A systematic search was done across databases on cVEMP and oVEMP findings in children with SNHL. Out of 92 articles retrieved, 21 articles were found to be appropriate as per our inclusion criteria. Significant vestibular abnormality was seen in children with SNHL as shown on cVEMP and oVEMP test reports. The cVEMP and oVEMP abnormalities seen were more in children with SNHL using a cochlear implant. Pre- and post-implantation studies showed a significant reduction in measures of cVEMP and oVEMP after implantation. Short conclusions Studies in the last decade reported abnormal cVEMP and oVEMP response in children with SNHL with and without cochlear implantation. cVEMP and oVEMP response is also associated with poor motor development in children with SNHL. Thus, emphasis should be given to assessing vestibular functioning in children with SNHL to rehabilitate them early in life.