Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
09:44

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Published on: January 25, 2016

Differentiating the cause of acute sensorineural hearing loss between Ménière's disease and sudden deafness

Chun-Nan Chen1, Yi-Ho Young

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|November 26, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and recruitment phenomenon testing can help distinguish Ménière's disease (MD) from sudden deafness. Abnormal VEMPs and recruitment are common in MD but rare in sudden deafness.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Neuroscience
  • Audiology

Background:

  • Differentiating Ménière's disease (MD) from sudden deafness is crucial for appropriate management of acute hearing loss.
  • Both conditions can present with similar audiological symptoms, necessitating reliable diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a diagnostic algorithm for differentiating MD from sudden deafness.
  • To evaluate the utility of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and the recruitment phenomenon in this differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 14 patients with probable MD and 14 with sudden deafness.
  • Audiovestibular function tests including VEMP, recruitment phenomenon, DPOAEs, and electronystagmography were performed.
  • Patients were monitored for at least 12 months.

Main Results:

  • The recruitment phenomenon was observed in 86% of MD cases versus 21% of sudden deafness cases.
  • Abnormal VEMP responses were found in 71% of MD cases compared to 21% of sudden deafness cases.
  • No significant differences were noted in DPOAEs or caloric test results between the two groups.

Conclusions:

  • VEMP testing and assessment of the recruitment phenomenon show significant differences between MD and sudden deafness.
  • A diagnostic algorithm incorporating both VEMP and recruitment phenomenon testing is recommended for distinguishing these conditions.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears10:27

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

Published on: February 21, 2018

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages09:09

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages

Published on: April 11, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Hair Cells01:22

Hair Cells

Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
The Cochlea01:13

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
Anatomy of the Ear01:16

Anatomy of the Ear

Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
Auditory Pathway01:15

Auditory Pathway

Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
Equilibrium and Balance01:15

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...