Optimizing Cochlear Implant Laterality in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Weakness (NCT07452653) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Optimizing Cochlear Implant Laterality in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Weakness
10 participantsStarted 2026-04
Plain-language summary
In patients with symmetric hearing loss who meet traditional cochlear implant candidacy criteria yet demonstrate pre-operative unilateral vestibular weakness, the choice of which ear to implant may impact their post-operative vestibular course. The investigators aim to implement both objective videonystagmography metrics as well as subjective patient-reported outcome measures to assess whether selecting laterality for cochlear implantation as it relates to unilateral vestibular loss has a measurable impact on patients' post-operative vestibular function. In pursuing cochlear implantation on the ear that demonstrates worse vestibular function, the investigators hypothesize improved vestibular function in comparison to operating on the unaffected side. The randomized control pilot study plans to allocate 10 subjects to a treatment group that involves cochlear implantation on the ipsilateral side of vestibular hypofunction and a control group that will undergo implantation on the contralateral side. The investigators plan to compare scores derived from the Dizziness Handicap Inventory completed at pre-operative evaluation and at two subsequent post-operative visits between control and treatment groups as primary outcome. The investigators also plan to determine if there is a significant difference in measures derived from caloric vestibular testing pre- and post-operatively as well as between control and treatment groups.
Who can participate
Age range
50 Years – 99 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients over the age of 50 years
* Bilateral and symmetric moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Symmetric SNHL will be defined objectively as no more than 20dB difference at any 2 consecutive frequencies or no more than 15dB difference at any 3 consecutive frequencies on standard audiometry and as no significant difference between the ears to the patient.
* Unilateral vestibular weakness. Unilateral vestibular weakness will be defined by caloric testing of a greater than 22% difference between ears using bithermal water irrigation.
* Candidates for cochlear implantation by meeting traditional cochlear implant audiometric criteria.
* Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits and study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with prior unilateral cochlear implantation
* Asymmetric SNHL
* Absence of unilateral vestibular weakness
* Contraindication for caloric testing (including epilepsy, dysconjugate eye movements, and history of ear or eye surgery less than 2 months prior)
* Alternative reasons for selecting cochlear implant laterality, including external. middle, or inner ear disease, anatomical abnormalities, or retrocochlear pathology
* Pregnant women
* Fetuses, neonates, children
* Prisoners
* Cognitively impaired adults
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Dizziness Handicap Inventory
Timeframe: From enrollment to 28 weeks after treatment