Vestibular Function After Cochlear Implantation Using Soft Surgery Techniques

Vestibular Function After Cochlear Implantation Using Soft Surgery Techniques

This study will measure the effects of soft surgical techniques on vestibular function and quality of life in patients pre- and post-cochlear implant (CI) surgery. Additionally, the investigators will attempt to systematically evaluate the utility of different electrophysiological measures of vestibular system function in surgical ears.

Vestibular system function in CI patients will be evaluated pre-surgically and twice post-surgically, at 3 months and again at 1 year post-surgery. Traditional test techniques - such as VNG, rotational testing, and air conduction VEMPs - will be compared to and cross-checked with newer techniques including video head impulse testing (vHIT) and bone conduction VEMPs.

Design & Procedures: The current standard of care for CI patients includes a pre-op evaluation of the vestibular system. For this study, the investigators will compare subjects' routine pre-op test results to two additional post-op assessments performed for study purposes: one in the short term (~3 months post-op) and one in the long-term (~1 year post-op).

Inclusion Criteria:

• > 18 years of age
• Only patients implanted with the MED-EL CI device within the last 90 days will be eligible for this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients < 18 years of age
• Patients implanted with a cochlear implant device other than MED-El CI