Modern methods of investigating the vestibular function in children

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Worldwide, there are about 466 million people (6.1%) with hearing loss and approximately 34 million of them (7%) are children, two-thirds of whom live in developing countries. In the course of research, it has been proven that in 60% of cases, sensorineural deafness is combined with vestibular disorders, which can be both obvious (rarely in children) and hidden. Timely detection of vestibular disorders in young children, especially hidden ones, prevents delay in the child’s motor development and significantly reduces the risk of vestibular dizziness development in older age. The aim of the article was to study modern instrumental methods of balance function research in children based on scientific analysis of contemporary literary data. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of relevant literature sources was conducted in December 2021 using electronic databases RubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, U.S. National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials, Research Gate and Cocharane Library. The results: Despite highly developed technological diagnostic capabilities of present-day medicine, the study of etiology, prevention and correction of various balance and hearing disorders in children of different ages is one of the most acute issues to be solved by modern medical community. Up-to-date improvements in the diagnostic methods of the auditory and vestibular analyzer expand the possibilities of interpreting their results and allow a deeper understanding of the degree of the stato-acoustic analyzer damage. To investigate the vestibular function, vestibulometry and otoneurological examinations are usually carried out, which are the same tests that are used in adults. However, such examinations require more patience from the child and they should be conducted in a playful manner. Detection of hidden vestibular dysfunctions ought to be comprehensive, in particular, using instrumental methods, one of which is static computer stabilometry, that creates an opportunity to determine translational and motor disorders. The conclusion. Long-term problems with balance in children can lead to a delay of motor functions development, which can further slow down the child's achievement of age-appropriate psychomotor stages and have a negative impact on school performance, and in general, on social, speech and intellectual development. Therefore, detection of vestibular dysfunction at an early age is of great medical and social importance. Acute otitis media is currently a curable disease in most cases, if undesirable consequences are prevented during the period of examination and treatment. Vestibular function can be adequately assessed using reliable instrumental tests. In this sense, static stabilometry is a very useful method for the objective determination of vestibular deficits in children, regardless of the presence or absence of any subjective complaints.