Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

6-2022

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Au.D.

Program

Audiology

Advisor

Donald Vogel

Advisor

Dorothy Ditoro

Subject Categories

Speech Pathology and Audiology

Keywords

cVEMP frequency tuning with age, Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials, cVEMP, Aging, Frequency Tuning

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate if there is a significant difference in the frequency specificity of cVEMP amplitude responses in the older adult population, and if so how clinical protocols should reflect age related changes in the vestibular system to properly assess for vestibular pathology.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using various databases through the Mina Rees Library of the City University of New York’s Graduate Center. This search identified articles relevant to this systematic review. Inclusion criteria encompassed quantified studies that utilized various frequency tone bursts to elicit VEMP responses among several age groups.

Results: Three articles were identified that met inclusion criteria. Each article examined amplitude and response rates among different age populations. It was determined that 500 Hz did not have largest amplitude outcomes in the 60 years of age and older age group in any of the included studies. However, the optimal frequency to elicit the largest mean amplitudes in the 60 years of age and older population was found to be 750 Hz in two of the three studies.

Discussion: This systematic review has demonstrated on a small scale that cVEMP amplitude is reduced in response to 500 Hz tone bursts in older adults due to the physiologic changes in the otolithic organs that occur with age. There is minimal research in the field of audiology that examines this tuning shift from the clinically relevant 500 Hz to more robust amplitudes at 750 and 1000 Hz. Thus, there is a need for further research to confirm these findings and to establish normative data and clinical protocols for testing cVEMP in older adults.

Download

Share

COinS