A new and simple test for diagnosis and prognosis in children with otitis media with effusion: cVEMP.

Aim/objectives: A typical vestibular stimulated myogenic potential (VEMP) response depends on suitable sound transfer from the middle ear to inner ear. This transfer is degraded at various degrees in otitis media with effusion (OME). In cases where the effusion is reduced by treating the OME, response to VEMP test can be obtained Backgrounds: In this study we aimed to compare preoperative and postoperative VEMP values of children who were applied ventilation tube for OME and to compare these values and VEMP values of healthy children. Materials and methods: Forty healthy and 40 patients with OME aged between 4 and 16 years were used for the study. VEMP test was performed before and after the surgery.

Results

Significant decrease was seen in p13 and n23 values of patient group (p < .05). Statistically significant increase was seen in postoperative amplitudes of patient group (p < .05).

Conclusions

Increased VEMP responses in children with OME have shown that dysfunction of middle ear caused vestibular dysfunction. We think that VEMP test can be used to follow up children with OME as a test for showing improvement. Significance: The VEMP test can be used a diagnostic and prognostic test in the diagnosis and follow-up of children with OME.