Comparative Study Between the Auditory and Vestibular Functions in Ménière's Disease.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière's disease (MD).

METHODS

Forty-three patients with definite MD underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and caloric test. Canal paresis (CP%), dPTA (interaural difference), and average PTA results were contrasted. IBM SPSS V24 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

According to PTA, most patients were in stage C, and caloric weakness was found in 29 patients. Linear (R2 = 0.06) and nonlinear correlation tests (rho = 0.245, P = .113) between canal paresis (CP%) and dPTA showed no correlation, as well as between CP% and PTA analysis (R2 = 0.007, rho = 0.11, P = .481). As per the categorial analysis, no correlation was detected between the groups either (κ = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.0883 - 0.431). Based on the results of the analysis, it was concluded that a more advanced stage determined by audiometry does not indicate increasing values in the CP% parameter.

CONCLUSIONS

Audiometric changes do not directly correspond with the vestibular ones; therefore, no specific correlation exists between them. Thus, for therapy planning and diagnosis, both tests are necessary.