Subjective Visual Vertical Testing in Patients With Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Vestibular System Research

Background:

• Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a persistent middle ear infection.
• Vestibular dysfunction is a known complication of middle ear pathologies.
• The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test assesses the perception of verticality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the results of the subjective visual vertical test using the bucket method in patients with CSOM.
• To determine if CSOM is associated with impaired verticality perception.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, controlled study was conducted in an otology clinic.
• 51 patients with CSOM and 50 healthy controls underwent the SVV test (bucket method).
• Nonparametric statistical tests were used to analyze deviations in the true vertical perception.

Main Results:

• Patients with CSOM exhibited significantly greater deviations in the true vertical compared to controls (3.66° vs. 0.76°, P < .001).
• 72.5% of CSOM patients reported past vestibular symptoms, and 70.5% had abnormal vestibular function tests.
• CSOM, with or without cholesteatoma, was associated with abnormal SVV results.

Conclusions:

• CSOM is frequently associated with vestibular symptoms and objective vestibular function abnormalities.
• Impaired subjective visual vertical perception is significantly more common in patients with CSOM.
• These findings highlight the impact of CSOM on the vestibular system and spatial orientation.