Comparative Study Between the Auditory and Vestibular Functions in Ménière’s Disease

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière’s disease (MD). Methods: Forty-three patients with definite MD underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and caloric test. Canal paresis (CP%), dPTA (interaural difference), and average PTA results were contrasted. IBM SPSS V24 was used for statistical analysis. Results: According to PTA, most patients were in stage C, and caloric weakness was found in 29 patients. Linear ( R 2 = 0.06) and nonlinear correlation tests (rho = 0.245, P = .113) between canal paresis (CP%) and dPTA showed no correlation, as well as between CP% and PTA analysis ( R 2 = 0.007, rho = 0.11, P = .481). As per the categorial analysis, no correlation was detected between the groups either (κ = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.0883 - 0.431). Based on the results of the analysis, it was concluded that a more advanced stage determined by audiometry does not indicate increasing values in the CP% parameter. Conclusions: Audiometric changes do not directly correspond with the vestibular ones; therefore, no specific correlation exists between them. Thus, for therapy planning and diagnosis, both tests are necessary.