Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss
Journal
Laryngoscope
Journal Volume
114
Journal Issue
12
Pages
2172
Date Issued
2004-12-01
Author(s)
Wu, Chin Lung
Abstract
Objective/Hypothesis: It was the authors' premise that the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test may be used to differentiate acute low-tone hearing loss (ALHL) from Menière's disease with low-tone HL. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: From January 2000 to December 2002, consecutive 12 patients with ALHL and another 12 patients with definite Menière's disease with low-tone HL were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent audiometry and VEMP test, before and after treatment with isosorbide for 3 consecutive months. Results: Before treatment, 12 patients with ALHL revealed normal VEMPs (11, 92%) and augmented VEMPs (1). After treatment, 11 (92%) patients had resolved to normal hearing within 3 days. One year later, two (17%) patients progressed to Menière's disease. In comparison with Menière's disease, 6 (50%) of 12 patients showed normal VEMPs before treatment, and 7 (58%) patients had their hearing improved 3 months after treatment. Comparison of VEMP responses or hearing outcome between both groups exhibited significant differences. Conclusion: Most patients with ALHL reveal normal VEMPs throughout the episode, indicating that the saccule is spared. In contrast, 50% of Menière's disease patients with low-tone HL demonstrate abnormal VEMPs, showing a significant difference. Therefore, the VEMP test can be used to differentiate ALHL from Menière's disease with low-tone HL.
Subjects
Acute low-tone sensorineural HL | Menière's disease | Vestibular evoked myogenic potential
SDGs
Publisher
WILEY
Type
journal article