Evaluation of the Decrease in DPOAE Levels After VEMP Testing in Clinical Patients Referred to the Vertigo Outpatient...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Otoacoustic Emissions

Background:

• Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing uses strong acoustic stimuli.
• Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) assess cochlear function.
• Noise-induced hearing loss can affect DPOAE levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if VEMP acoustic stimuli reduce DPOAE levels.
• To explore the relationship between VEMP, DPOAE, and hearing loss.
• To analyze factors influencing DPOAE changes post-VEMP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 174 patients undergoing VEMP testing.
• Measurement of DPOAE levels before and after VEMP.
• Correlation analysis of DPOAE changes with age, sex, and side.

Main Results:

• Significant decrease in DPOAE levels observed after VEMP testing at multiple frequencies.
• A negative linear correlation found between DPOAE decrease at 6 kHz and patient age.
• No significant correlation of DPOAE decrease with sex or side.

Conclusions:

• VEMP's acoustic stimulation can transiently reduce DPOAE levels.
• Age is a factor influencing DPOAE level changes after VEMP.
• VEMP testing requires careful consideration of potential cochlear effects.