The evaluation of tinnitus and auditory brainstem response in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo accompanied by tinnitus

The aim of the study is to investigate the features of tinnitus and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) accompanied by tinnitus. 90 individuals were included in the study. Individuals were seperated three groups as patients with BPPV and tinnitus complaints (n = 30), patients with BPPV (n=30) and control group (n=30). For all individuals; ABR test at low and high rate before the therapeutic maneuvers, and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (BDEA) for the BPPV subjects were applied. In subjects with tinnitus BPPV, the intensity and frequency of tinnitus were evaluated, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (TEA) and visual analog scale (VAS) were applied. In group I patients reporting tinnitus with BPPV, tinnitus was found to be localized at the ear affected by BPPV, the average intensity of the tinnitus was 32 dB, the average frequency was 4.5 kHz and it was felt intermittently. Tinnitus disappeared after therapeutic interventions in except for 7 of 30 individuals with tinnitus. In both groups (Grup I and II), significant prolongation of V wave absolute latency of ABR was obtained in the affected ears of individuals with BPPV at high rate (49,1/sn) compared with low rate (9,1/sn). In the affected ears of all BPPV individuals at high (49,1/sn) rate in ABR, the absolute latency of the III wave was found to be significantly longer than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in BDEA findings between individuals with BPPV with and without tinnitus. (p> 0.05). In conclusion, ABR at high rate in individuals with BPPV may provide information about the effect of ischemia in the auditory pathways on the formation of BPPV. Keywords: Benign Paroksismal Pozisyonel Vertigo, Tinnitus, Auditory Brainstem Response, Dizziness, Ischemia