Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials using simultaneous binaural acoustic stimulation

Hear Res. 2003 Nov;185(1-2):43-8. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5955(03)00256-9.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of recording vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) using simultaneous binaural acoustic stimulation (B-VEMP), and compare it with that using monaural acoustic stimulation (M-VEMP). Seven healthy volunteers were evoked by initial B-VEMP test and subsequent M-VEMP test, whereas vice versa in another 7 volunteers. All 14 subjects demonstrated both B-VEMPs and M-VEMPs, without significant difference in the latencies of p13 and n23. When using interaural amplitude difference (IAD) ratio for interpreting amplitude, B-VEMPs did not differ significantly from that of M-VEMPs. Hence, B-VEMPs can produce information equivalent to M-VEMPs in terms of response rate, latencies, and IAD ratio in healthy subjects. Likewise, similar results were also shown in the patients with unilateral Meniere's disease. In conclusion, B-VEMPs provide neither different information nor less variability, as compared with M-VEMPs. In addition, B-VEMPs can offer information on unilateral inner ear (saccular) pathology similar to that by M-VEMPs. Furthermore, recording from binaural stimulation can be used as a possibly more convenient mode compared with two monaural recordings, especially when testing young or old or disabled patients, since a continuous muscular effort is required during recording.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation / methods
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meniere Disease / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Reaction Time
  • Vestibular Function Tests*
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiopathology*