Cochlear synaptopathy: Evaluation of VEMP results

Cochlear synaptopathy is a synaptic disease that usually occurs as a result of noise exposure. It has been proven that noise damages not only the auditory system, but also the vestibular system, especially the saccule. Among the tests that can measure saccule function, the VEMP test is one of the most commonly used tests. The aim of this study is to evaluate possible vestibular disorders in patients with cochlear synaptopathy via VEMP. Patients diagnosed with cochlear synaptopathy who applied to Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital Audiology Clinic with difficulty understanding speech in noise were included in our study. VEMP testing was applied to patients with cochlear synaptopathy. During the test, patients in the supine position were asked to turn their heads to the opposite direction of the tested ear and lift them up. In this way, adequate sternocleidomastoid contraction was achieved. P1 latency, N1 latency, interpeak amplitude, asymmetry ratio, VEMP threshold, presence of VEMP response and VEMP response status parameters were compared with the control group. In the comparisons made, no statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in the P1 latency, N1 latency, interpeak amplitude, asymmetry ratio and VEMP threshold parameters. When the presence of VEMP response was compared, it was determined that the rate of VEMP response was significantly reduced in the cochlear synaptopathy group and was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.034). When VEMP response status was compared between the groups, it was observed that the rate of abnormal VEMP results increased in the case of VEMP response in the cochlear synaptopathy group and was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.004). It is thought that cochlear synaptopathy may be a risk factor for vestibular disorders, especially saccular dysfunction, and our study will contribute to informing audiologists, ear nose and throat specialists and other specialists working in clinics for the early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. For this purpose, it is thought that screening tests for vestibular disorders can be applied to patients diagnosed with cochlear synaptopathy in the clinic, with VEMP or other test batteries, thus early diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders can be provided. Keywords: Cochlear synaptopathy, VEMP, nois