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Objective To analyze and summarize the effect of bilateral large vestibular aqueducts in peripheral vestibular organ function. Methods Eighteen patients with bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS; Study Group) and 18 healthy volunteers (Control Group) were investigated using audiometry, caloric test, sensory organization test (SOT), and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests. Results All 18 patients (36 ears) exhibited sensorineural hearing loss. For cervical VEMP (cVEMP), the Study Group showed lower thresholds (Study Group vs. Control Group: 71.4 vs. 75.3 dB nHL; p = 0.006), N1 latencies (24.1 vs. 25.2 ms; p = 0.026) and shorter P1 (15.3 vs. 16.6 ms; p = 0.003), and higher amplitudes (400.7 vs. 247.2 µV; p < 0.001) than the Control Group. For ocular VEMP (oVEMP), the Study Group had lower thresholds (79.3 vs. 81.8 dB nHL; p = 0.046) and higher amplitudes (40.6 vs. 14.4 µV; p < 0.001) than the Control Group. Fourteen of 16 patients (87.5%) who completed caloric tests had abnormal results, and 10 of 18 patients (55.6%) exhibited abnormal results in SOTs. Conclusions The hyperfunction of vestibular test in otolithic organs and the hypofunction of vestibular test in semicircular canals, as well as the dysfunction in the balance test were demonstrated in patients with LVAS. Significance Our findings can help clinicians gain a better understanding of the characteristics of vestibular organ function in patients with LVAS, which can facilitate optimal targeted treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between mumps and the extent of hearing impairment and otolith organ damage. Methods: A total of 27 patients with unilateral hearing impairment following mumps were enrolled. The degrees of hearing loss and otolith organ damage were confirmed by audiometric and vestibular evoked myogenic potential [VEMP] tests. All the results were compared and analyzed using Stata 13.0 software for Windows. Results: The VEMP thresholds of the affected ears were significantly higher than those of the unaffected ears in both tests (cervical VEMP [cVEMP] test and ocular VEMP [oVEMP] test; p = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively). The mean cVEMP and oVEMP threshold values of the affected ears with hearing impairment for ≤10 years were significantly lower than those of affected ears with hearing impairment for >10 years [p = 0.009 and 0.004, respectively]. Conclusions: Deafness resulting from mumps is usually profound and permanent, which indicates severe damage to the cochlea due to the disease. The functions of otolith organs in the vestibular system are also impaired. Over time, the function of the otolith organs or their neural pathway may suffer secondary damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]