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Electrocochleography and symptoms of inner ear dysfunction.
Archives of Otolaryngology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Electrocochleography (ECochG) effectively detects Meniere's disease-endolymphatic hydrops (MD-ELH) when symptoms are present. Hearing loss and aural fullness significantly predict positive ECochG results in MD-ELH diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Meniere's disease-endolymphatic hydrops (MD-ELH) is a disorder affecting the inner ear.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on correlating clinical symptoms with objective test findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between electrocochleography (ECochG) results and the presenting symptoms of patients with suspected MD-ELH.
- To identify which clinical symptoms are most predictive of abnormal ECochG findings.
Main Methods:
- Extratympanic electrocochleography (ECochG) was performed on 110 ears of 55 patients with suspected MD-ELH.
- ECochG results were compared with the patients' reported symptoms on the day of the test, including hearing loss, aural fullness, tinnitus, and vertigo.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in ECochG findings was observed between patients with and without symptoms.
- The combination of sensorineural hearing loss and aural fullness or pressure was the strongest predictor of a positive ECochG.
- Positive ECochG was characterized by an enlarged summating potential/action potential amplitude ratio.
Conclusions:
- ECochG is a valuable tool for diagnosing MD-ELH, particularly when patients exhibit specific symptom combinations.
- The presence of hearing loss and aural fullness during ECochG testing strongly suggests MD-ELH.
- Objective ECochG findings correlate with subjective patient symptoms in MD-ELH.