Vestibular function in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

Objective: Children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) account for about 10% of paediatric patients referred for cochlear implantation. Vestibulopathy may be associated with ANSD, and may have implications when formulating management plans in this patient group. We wanted to determine the incidence and predictive factors for vestibulopathy in this patient group to guide vestibular testing in this patient population, and give insight to the aetiology of ANSD.

Methods: We reviewed the outcomes of vestibular function testing in a cohort of paediatric patients with ANSD.

Results: Probable or definite vestibulopathy was seen in 42% of patients who were tested. Vestibulopathy was associated with medical co-morbidities, but was not associated with imaging findings.

Conclusions: Vestibulopathy is relatively prevalent in this patient group, and should be considered when planning the investigation and management of children with ANSD.