[Combined computer-assisted neuro-otologic diagnosis of inner ear function in children].

Among 10 284 data files of neuro-otological patients of our neuro-otological data bank NODEC III, 8,6% pertain to children between 0 and 15 years of age. 350 (3,5%) of these are in the age group of 0-5 years, 261 (2,5%) in the group of 6-10 years and 267 (2,6%) in the group of 11-15 years. Modern inner ear functional diagnostic methods combine computerised neuro-otological audiometric as well as equilibriometric tests. Ranking of diagnostic applicability and efficiency comprises the following 6 steps of neuro-otological equilibriometric and audiometric tests: Child-adapted psychophysical hearing tests, Perrotatory nystagmus tests via electronystagmography, Postrotatory nystagmus tests via electronystagmography, Acoustic brain-stem evoked potentials ( ABEP ) with 2-channel averager, Caloric vestibular test via electronystagmography, Optokinetic nystagmus test via electronystagmography. It has been proved both clinically and statistically that the perrotatory as well as the postrotatory nystagmus recordings are accepted much better by the preschool children than the caloric test. The latter, however, provides us with superior topodiagnostic information. Acoustically evoked potentials usually require to be performed under sedation in preschool children. Automatic nystagmus evaluation via the computer system NYDIAC immediately yields all the important monocular nystagmus parameters and synoptical test charts, i.e. the butterfly calorigram . The computerbased neuro-otological equilibriometric as well as audiometric investigations should be performed by an experienced and specifically trained otolaryngologist. This diagnostic method promotes intense co-operation with colleagues in paediatrics, ophthalmology, neurology and traumatology.