Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in children with sensorineural hearing loss

Objective of the studyTo assess the saccular function using the vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test in children with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.Methods15 children (12 males and 3 females) with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in the age range of 4–12 years constituted the study group. 10 children (6 males and 4 females) with normal hearing constituted the control group. All the children were evaluated for saccular function by using the vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP).ResultsFor study group the mean P1 and N1 latencies values were 15.12 ms and 23.86 ms, respectively. For control group the mean P1 and N1 latencies were 15.39 ms and 23.68 ms. The comparison of mean P1 and N1 latencies values between study and control groups revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the mean amplitude values of VEMP responses for study and control groups were 75.78 μV and 160.51 μV, respectively. The comparison mean amplitude values between study and control groups revealed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Out of 15 children in the study group 2 children had the absent VEMP response in both the ears.ConclusionBecause the vestibular function plays an important role in gross motor development in children, audiologists and otologist should recognize and understand the vestibular dysfunction in hearing impaired children and be prepared to undertake appropriate evaluations.However, additional research is needed on a larger sample size to determine the value of routine vestibular evaluation in children with sensorineural hearing loss and its potential benefit on the clinical outcome of these patients along with VEMP testing.