Saccular Dysfunction in Low-Frequency Age-Related Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Objective: To estimate the relationship between saccular dysfunction and low frequency age-related sensorineural hearing loss (a-SNHL). Methods: In this case-control study, sixty old men volunteers evaluated met inclusion criteria. They presented to the audiology department of Hamadan University of medical sciences (Hamadan, Iran). After history taking, all of audiological tests done on same. Results: The comparison of the mean latencies and the mean peak-to-peak amplitudes of the cVEMPs in two groups had significant differences (P < 0.05). The control group with mild high tone hearing loss (normal pure tone thresholds in low to mid frequencies) had normal cVEMPs findings. The case subjects with flat audiogram had abnormal cVEMPs results. Conclusion: Sound sensitivity of the saccule tended to decline when a-SNHL in low frequencies increased. The weakening in cochlear and saccular function of aging may reveal the mechanical failure of both structures, which include the insufficiency of physical properties of the cochlea and the otolithic organ.