Thresholds for vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) produced by impulsive transmastoid acceleration

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate methods for estimating thresholds of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and ocular VEMPs (OVEMPs) produced by impulsive transmastoid acceleration (ITA).

Design: VEMPs and OVEMPs were obtained simultaneously from subjects in supine posture with both head and eyes elevated. Thresholds to ITA were measured using four different response identification methods.

Study sample: Twelve adult subjects with no history of auditory or vestibular deficits.

Results: VEMP and OVEMP thresholds were found within the range of −8 to −26 dB re 0.2 g, with overall VEMP thresholds being lower than OVEMP thresholds by average of 3–10 dB, depending on the method used.

Conclusion: VEMPs can be obtained at lower ITA stimulation levels than OVEMPs. Threshold values depend on the method used to define response presence.