Hearing loss and caloric response in Menière's disease. A comparative study.

Abstract

In 343 patients with Menière's disease the caloric response was compared with the hearing loss as measured by pure tone audiometry, and a distinct correlation was found. With increasing tone threshold, the caloric reaction from the affected ear tended to become weaker, and the number of patients with a reduced caloric reaction increased. One hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent speech audiometry, and the maximal discrimination was calculated. No correlation was found between discrimination loss and reduction of the caloric reaction. The tracing width of the Békésy audiogram on stimulation with continuous tone was compared with the caloric reaction in 53 patients. No correlation was found. The relationship between the separation between the thresholds for continuous and interrupted tone in Békésy audiometry, and the caloric reaction, was studied in 40 patients. A distinct correlation was found. The greater the separation between the two Békésy recordings, the greater often was the reduction of the caloric response.