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Effects of Age on the Frequency Amplitude Ratio of Cervical and Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials
Raghav H Jha1, Erin G Piker2, Jesus Gomez2
1School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Memphis, TN.
Purpose:
An increase in the 1000/500 Hz frequency amplitude ratio (FAR) of the cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP and oVEMP, respectively) may serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosing Meniere's disease (MD). However, the aging process can also result in an increased FAR for VEMPs. In older patients, distinguishing whether changes in VEMP FAR are due to MD or aging processes becomes difficult. We aimed to investigate the effects of age on VEMP FARs and establish a FAR-normative range for different age groups.
Method:
cVEMP and oVEMP were recorded from a total of 106 participants grouped as young, middle-aged, and older adults using air-conducted tone bursts at 500, 750, and 1000 Hz at 125 dB pSPL. The FAR was calculated for the cVEMP and oVEMP for the following frequencies: FAR1 = 1000/500, FAR2 = 1000/750, and FAR3 = 750/500.
Results:
A significant age-related effect was observed on the cVEMP FAR. Although the oVEMP FAR showed an increasing trend with age, it was not statistically significant. Age-based normative FAR values are provided.
Conclusions:
Drawing from the normative FAR from this study, there is evidence that the existing MD diagnostic criteria would misidentify a considerable number of older adults. Therefore, to reduce false positives, we recommend a more stringent cVEMP and oVEMP FAR criterion in older adults.
Insights
The frequency amplitude ratio (FAR) of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) can indicate Meniere
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The frequency amplitude ratio (FAR) of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP and oVEMP) is a potential biomarker for Meniere's disease (MD).
- Aging can also increase VEMP FAR, complicating diagnosis in older adults.
- Distinguishing between MD and age-related changes in VEMP FAR is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aging on VEMP FARs.
- To establish age-specific normative ranges for VEMP FARs.
- To improve the diagnostic accuracy of VEMP FARs in older populations.
Main Methods:
- Recorded cVEMP and oVEMP from 106 participants across young, middle-aged, and older adult groups.
- Utilized air-conducted tone bursts at 500, 750, and 1000 Hz (125 dB pSPL).
- Calculated FARs (1000/500 Hz, 1000/750 Hz, 750/500 Hz) for both cVEMP and oVEMP.
Main Results:
- A significant age-related effect was found on cVEMP FAR.
- oVEMP FAR showed a non-significant increasing trend with age.
- Provided age-based normative FAR values for cVEMP and oVEMP.
Conclusions:
- Existing Meniere's disease diagnostic criteria may misidentify older adults due to age-related FAR changes.
- A more stringent cVEMP and oVEMP FAR criterion is recommended for older adults to reduce false positives.
- Normative data from this study can aid in accurate VEMP-based diagnosis across age groups.
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