Vestibular evaluation in patients with congenital profound hearing loss using ice cold water caloric test and rotational chair test

Abstract

Introduction: With the introduction of newborn hearing screening, hearing problems are often detected at the neonatal stage and in early infancy, and holistic approach including not only auditory but also vestibular function is needed. This study hopes to establish some corelation between cochlear and vestibular system dysfunction in a patient born with congenital profound hearing loss (CPHL). Materials and Methods: In this observational and descriptive study conducted at a tertiary care hospital, we evaluated eighty patients with bilateral CPHL from 2016 to 2018. After taking a detailed history and thorough ear, nose, and throat examination, the patients underwent vestibular function evaluation by ice cold water caloric test (ICCT) and rotational chair test (RCT) in the outpatient department, and the duration of nystagmus was calculated based on which hypoactive or absent vestibular function was found out. Results: In the present study, out of eighty patients with CPHL, vestibular function of 62 (77.50%) was normal, 9 (11.25%) hypoactive, and 9 (11.25%) with absent vestibular function. Conclusion: In the outpatient department where sophisticated equipment and laboratory facilities are not available, ICCT can be used to determine the vestibular function and also RCT can be used. From the present study, it can be concluded that vestibular dysfunction is present in 22.50% of patients with CPHL with the use of ICCT and RCT. There is a strong possibility of genetic origin etiology for vestibular dysfunction. The present study also concludes that consanguinity may be major etiological factor for vestibular dysfunction.