Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Saccular damage in patients with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss
A A Sazgar1, V Dortaj, K Akrami
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Imam Khomeini Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran. asazgar@ut.ac.ir
Summary
High-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (HF-SNHL) may indicate inner ear damage affecting the vestibular system, particularly the saccule. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) revealed saccular dysfunction in patients with HF-SNHL.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- High-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (HF-SNHL) suggests exposure to inner ear damaging factors.
- Retrocochlear pathology is absent in these subjects, focusing the investigation on cochlear and vestibular interactions.
- The sacculocollic pathway's integrity is crucial for vestibular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of cochlear damaging factors on the sacculocollic pathway in patients with HF-SNHL.
- To identify subclinical vestibular disturbances in individuals with HF-SNHL.
- To explore the relationship between cochlear and saccular function.
Main Methods:
- Fifty patients (76 ears) with HF-SNHL and 18 healthy referents (32 ears) were recruited.
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) were used to assess sacculocollic pathway function.
- VEMP responses in patients were compared to those of healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Patients with HF-SNHL exceeding 40 dB HL exhibited significantly more saccular deterioration.
- Negative VEMP responses indicated saccular dysfunction in the HF-SNHL group.
- These findings suggest subclinical vestibular system disturbances, especially in the saccule.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear damaging factors may simultaneously affect both the cochlea and the saccule.
- HF-SNHL can be an indicator of underlying vestibular dysfunction.
- Further research into the shared etiological factors for cochlear and saccular damage is warranted.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13The 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.
00:50Unrenewable Cells
In humans, the photoreceptor cells of the eye and sensory hair cells of the ear lack stem cells. These cells are thus unrenewable and cannot be replaced when they are damaged or destroyed.
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
01:15Heart Sounds
Heart sounds are generated by the turbulence in blood flow due to the closing of heart valves. These sounds are best perceived slightly away from the valves, where the blood flow disseminates the sound.
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...
01:25Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Cardiac auscultation is a clinical skill used to assess heart function and detect abnormalities. It involves listening to heart sounds at specific anatomical locations through a stethoscope.
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.
01:25Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops: