The Incidence and Significance of the Tullio Phenomenon in Man

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and significance of the Tullio phenomenon in a group of human subjects. The subjects included 40 patients with complaints of auditory or vestibular symptoms. Ten otologically normal subjects were included in the study as a control group. All subjects underwent routine audiologic evaluation as well as electronystagmogram (ENG) testing. All subjects were then tested for the presence of the Tullio phenomenon by the method described. The results of this study showed that of the 40 subjects with known auditory or vestibular disorders, 90% (36) demonstrated nystagmus in response to high-intensity sound stimulation. All patients in the otologically normal control group demonstrated the presence of the Tullio phenomenon. No specific correlations were made between the presence of the Tullio phenomenon and specific audiologic or ENG findings. Studies on the effects of sound on the vestibular system are reviewed and lend support to the finding that the Tullio phenomenon may be a normal physiologic response in man under certain test conditions.