Auditory Spatial Processing in Patients With Vestibular Migraine

Auditory spatial information is decoded in various regions of the central auditory nervous system, beginning at the level of the superior olivary complex. The trigeminovascular system, known to be involved in the pathophysiology of vestibular migraine, innervates the superior olivary complex and several other regions of the auditory nervous system. Thus, processing of binaural cues and, therefore, auditory spatial abilities may be affected in individuals with vestibular migraine. This study aims to compare interaural level difference (ILD), interaural time difference (ITD), Virtual Auditory Space Identification (VASI), and the Spatial subscale of Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale-Kannada (SSQ-K), between individuals with vestibular migraine and healthy controls.

This nonexperimental, cross-sectional study included 17 participants with vestibular migraine and 17 healthy controls aged 20-60 years. ILD, ITD, VASI, and SSQ-K were assessed for both groups.

The individuals with vestibular migraine exhibited significant deficits in ILD, ITD, and VASI accuracy scores compared to the control group. The self-perception of auditory spatial abilities was significantly poorer in individuals with vestibular migraine.

Individuals with vestibular migraine show deficits in processing binaural cues and auditory spatial perception, impacting communication and quality of life. These findings highlight the need for assessment of spatial processing and the potential role of auditory spatial training as a part of rehabilitation.