Speech Perception in Ménière Disease

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Ménière disease (MD) is an inner ear disorder affecting the cochlea and semicircular canals.
• Symptoms include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Speech audiometry is crucial for quantifying speech discrimination and intelligibility deficits in MD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of stimuli presentation levels in speech audiometry on speech recognition in adults with and without MD.
• To assess the influence of MD on quality of life, particularly concerning vertigo and tinnitus.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving two groups (n=9 each): one with MD and one without.
• Speech Recognition Percentage Index (SRPI) was measured using stimuli presented at comfortable or near-discomfort levels.
• Validated questionnaires (Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory) assessed quality of life in symptomatic individuals.

Main Results:

• Speech recognition performance improved with higher stimuli presentation levels in the study sample (75% showed improvement).
• The presence of vertigo was identified as a significant factor negatively affecting the quality of life in individuals with MD.
• Higher presentation levels in speech audiometry correlate with better speech recognition outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Speech recognition abilities in Ménière disease can be enhanced by increasing auditory stimuli presentation levels.
• Ménière disease substantially diminishes quality of life, with vertigo being a primary limiting factor.