Erişkin Koklear İmplant Kullanıcılarında Duyu, İstemli Motor ve Fonksiyonel Limitasyonların Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sensory, voluntary motor and functional limitations using balance parameters in cochlear implant users. Twenty adult cochlear implant users with at least 12 months device use and age 18 years or older 20 individuals with normal hearing were included to the present study. Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (mCTSIB), Limits of Stability (LOS) Test, Rhythmic Weight Shift (RWS) Test, Weight Bearing/Squat (WBS) Test, Unilateral Stance (US) Test, Sit To Stand (STS) Test, Walk Across (WA) Test, Tandem Walk (TW) Test, Step/Quick Turn (SQT) Test, Step Up/Over (SUO) Test and Forward Lunge (FL) Test were used for balance evaluation. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) and Berg Balance Scale were performed for subjective balance assessment. A statistically significant difference was obtained between the groups in the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance, Limits of Stability Test, Rhythmic Weight Shift Test, Unilateral Stance Test, Walk Across Test, Tandem Walk Test, Step/Quick Turn Test, Step Up/Over Test and Forward Lunge Test results (p<0.05). The results of the Berg Balance Scale and the physical and functional sub-parameters of Dizziness Handicap Inventory were statistically significant between the groups (p<0.05). This study showed the compensated insufficiency of sensory, voluntary motor and functional limitations that reflect the vestibular system effects of cochlear implant users. In conclusion, it was thought that the probable balance problems of the cochlear implant candidates should be evaluated before and after the surgery and the application of the rehabilitation program in the early period would be effective.