Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials: a comparison of 500 Hz toneburst and narrowband CE-Chirp stimuli in older children

OBJECTIVE: To compare ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) response parameters in children using a 500 Hz narrowband CE-Chirp stimulus versus a 500 Hz toneburst stimulus. DESIGN: A within-subject cross-sectional design was employed. Response rate, N1 latency, P1 latency, N1-P1 amplitude and asymmetry ratio were measured for each ear for both 500 Hz NB CE-Chirp stimulus and 500 Hz TB. Stimuli were presented at 95 dB nHL via air conduction using the chin electrode montage. STUDY SAMPLE: Thirty-six participants (18 males, 18 females) aged 7 to 18 years were included. Participants were grouped into 7 to 13 years (18 participants) and 14 to 18 years (18 participants), respectively. RESULTS: Higher oVEMP response rates (97% and 94%) were obtained for both age groups for 500 Hz NB CE-Chirp when compared to 500 Hz TB. The 500 Hz NB CE-Chirp resulted in significantly larger N1-P1 amplitudes than the 500 Hz TB. Asymmetry ratio showed no significant difference between stimuli types for both age groups. CONCLUSION: The 500 Hz NB CE-Chirp stimulus is a promising option in clinical use for oVEMP testing, allowing easier and faster detection of oVEMP waveforms, than with the 500 Hz TB. However, toneburst and chirp stimuli may differ in calibration and bandwidth, and these differences require further investigation prior to clinical adoption of the 500 Hz NB CE-Chirp stimulus for oVEMPs in children.