Side-difference of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in healthy subjects

The aim of this study was to investigate the side-difference of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in relation to the provocation rates, latencies and amplitudes using binaural acoustic stimulation with bilateral recording. Fourteen healthy volunteers underwent a serial VEMP testings elicited binaurally by a sequence of alternating stimulus intensities, that is, 95-95 (right-left), 85-95, 95-85, and 85-85 dBHL tone burst, respectively. The provocation rates as well as the mean latencies of p13 and n23 for the VEMPs demonstrated no significant side-difference despite using 95-95, 85-95, 95-85 and 85-85 dBHL binaural acoustic stimulation. In contrast, nine (64%) of the 14 subjects showed side-difference of absolute p13-n23 amplitude, including right side dominant in five subjects, and left side dominant in four subjects. However, there was no significant side-difference in terms of relative amplitude despite using 95-95, 85-95, 95-85 and 85-85 dBHL binaural acoustic stimulation. Furthermore, the relative amplitude or interaural amplitude difference (IAD) ratios between those with and without side-difference of p13-n23 amplitude did not differ significantly. Hence, this study provides a potentially important method for adjusting the side difference of p13-n23 amplitudes by using a relative amplitude or IAD ratio adjustment. It also adds confidence to the successful use of binaural stimulation and recording of VEMPs under conditions of bilateral SCM muscular contractions.