Özet:

Objective: Cochlear implantation is associated with vestibular impairment due to the close proximity of vestibular structures. This study aimed to explore the postural control of unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users compared to participants without hearing loss. Material and Methods: Twenty unilateral CI users and 20 healthy individuals with normal hearing were included in the study. Static posturography test (Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Limits of Stability Test, Rhythmic Weight Shift Test, Weight Bearing Squat Test, Unilateral Stance Test, Sit To Stand Test, Walk Across Test, Tandem Walk Test, Step Quick Turn Test, Step Up Over Test and Forward Lunge Test), which includes both static and dynamic balance parameters, was applied to the participants. In order to assess subjective balance, Berg Balance Scale, Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale were used. Results: Results of objective and subjective tests of postural control were significantly weaker in CI users compared to control group (p<0.05). Results of different tests revealed that CI users are negatively effected in static and dynamic components of postural control. Conclusion: As the results show that CI users performed worse than control group on the subjective and objective balance parameters, exploration of standing balance is important in CI users.

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