A vestibular (balance) dysfunction can compromise the development of a child on many levels. One of the most important consequences of a vestibular dysfunction is the higher risk for motor deficits. In this context, a highly vulnerable group comprises children with a hearing loss. Because of the close anatomical relationship between the auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) organs, it seems evident that an inner ear disease may affect not only the auditory, but also the vestibular function. Whereas vestibular and motor assessment in hearing-impaired children is standard of care in the Ghent University Hospital, this is currently not a standard component in the diagnostic follow-up of hearing-impaired children in other care centres in Flanders. Therefore, vestibular deficits in hearing-impaired children currently often go unnoticed, giving rise to associated disorders such as a delayed motor development, behavioral disorders, etc.

The main purpose of this TBM-project is to limit the impact of a vestibular dysfunction on the motor, cognitive and psychosocial development of hearing-impaired children. In order to achieve this goal, we aim to implement a standard vestibular screening protocol in Flanders for all children with a hearing loss, detected by a ‘refer’ on the neonatal hearing screening (Kind & Gezin) and confirmed by a diagnostic hearing evaluation in one of the reference centres in Flanders. The vestibular screening would be scheduled at the age of 6 months in order to expedite the early detection of vestibular deficits and subsequent referral for rehabilitation.