Effect of conductive hearing loss on the vestibulo-collic reflex.
The vestibulo-collic reflex represents a promising test for evaluating the integrity of otolith function. We have investigated the threshold of this response in a group of normal subjects, and the effect of a conductive hearing loss. A positive response was recorded in 31 of 32 normal subjects. The threshold of the vestibulo-collic reflex varied from 80 to 97 dBHL in these subjects with a 95% response rate at a threshold at 96 dBHL. A total of 23 ears with a conductive hearing loss in 17 patients were also investigated. The average conductive hearing loss (at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) ranged from 8.75 to 40 dBHL (average 24.46 dBHL). A positive response was recorded in only two ears. Therefore, the vestibulo-collic reflex has a high stimulus threshold which is dependant on reliable transmission of the click stimulus to the inner ear thus limiting is clinical use.
Bath
A P
AP
Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Harris
N
N
McEwan
J
J
Yardley
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000294:innervation*; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000150:complications; D010037:Otolithic Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000502:physiology*; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000150:complications; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000294:innervation*