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Age-related changes in vestibular evoked myogenic potentials
Krister Brantberg1, Kerstin Granath, Nadine Schart
1Department of Audiology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. krister.brantberg@karolinska.se
Audiology & Neuro-Otology
|March 29, 2007
Summary
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) show age-related changes in amplitude and latency. Large VEMP amplitudes in response to sound are not unique to vestibular hypersensitivity, as unaffected individuals also exhibit them.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) assess otolith organ and vestibular nerve function.
- Sound-evoked VEMP responses are influenced by various physiological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in VEMP responses to sound stimulation.
- To evaluate the diagnostic significance of large VEMP amplitudes for vestibular hypersensitivity.
Main Methods:
- 1000 consecutive patients underwent VEMP testing with 500 Hz tone bursts (129 dB SPL).
- VEMP amplitudes from the ear with larger response were analyzed.
- Exclusion criteria included bilateral hearing loss, vestibular disease, and Tullio phenomenon.
- Comparison with a small cohort of patients exhibiting Tullio phenomenon.
Main Results:
- A consistent age-related decrease in VEMP amplitude and increase in VEMP latency was observed.
- Large VEMP amplitudes were found in unaffected individuals, not solely in those with vestibular hypersensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly impacts VEMP amplitude and latency.
- Elevated VEMP amplitude alone is insufficient to diagnose vestibular hypersensitivity to sound.
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