Comparison of Chirp Versus Tone Burst– and Click-Evoked Masseteric Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Normal-Hearing Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed at comparing narrowband Claus Elberling level-specific chirp (NB CE-Chirp)–, click-, and tone burst–evoked masseteric vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs). Method: Within-group study design and purposive sampling were performed. A total of 25 normal-hearing individuals participated in the study. The zygomatic electrode montage was used to elicit ipsilateral mVEMP responses using a 500-Hz NB CE-Chirp, a click of 100-μs duration, and a 500-Hz tone burst stimulus. Each of the responses was analyzed based on the absolute peak latency of P11 and N21, the electromyography-scaled peak-to-peak amplitude of the P11–N21 complex, and the interaural asymmetry ratio. Results: A total of 50 ears were tested and had 100% mVEMP responses. The latencies of click-evoked and 500-Hz NB CE-Chirp–evoked mVEMPs were significantly shorter than those of 500-Hz tone burst–evoked mVEMPs ( p < .05) for both ears. It revealed a significantly superior P11–N21 amplitude of the 500-Hz NB CE-Chirp and tone burst than clicks for both ears. Intraclass correlation coefficient revealed moderate to excellent test–retest reliability for mVEMP parameters across three different stimulations. Conclusion: The present study supports 500 Hz NB CE-Chirps as effective and reliable stimuli as tone bursts in eliciting mVEMP responses.