Characterization of the vestibular function in an otosclerosis population – a pilot case-control study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.2026Keywords:
Otosclerosis, Vestibular Function, Video Head Impulse Test, Dizziness Handicap InventorAbstract
Objectives: Characterization of the vestibular function in an otosclerosis population, and its comparison with a healthy population.
Study Design: Case-control study.
Material and Methods: Patients with clinical/audiological suspicion of otosclerosis (surgically confirmed) and healthy controls matched for age and sex were recruited. Vestibular function was evaluated using the Video Head Impulse Test and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire.
Results: A total of 24 participants (12 cases and 12 controls) were included, of whom 91.6% were female, with a mean age of 44±2 years. The mean semicircular canal gain for each canal did not show a statistically significant difference between the two groups. On the other hand, the DHI scores differed significantly between the two groups (24.1 vs. 6.3; Mann-Whitney p<0.01).
Conclusion: It is possible to verify a subjective functional compromise of balance in patients with otosclerosis, which does not appear to be associated with dysfunction of the semicircular canals.
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