Assessment of Semicircular Canal Function using vHIT in Adults with Congenital Hearing Loss

Introduction: vHIT test to assess the functioning of three semicircular canals. Objective: This study was designed to objectively assess the functioning of the three semicircular canals in individual with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss using vHIT respectively. Methods: Twenty adult participants (40 ears) having severe to profound hearing loss ranging in age from 15-40 years in group I. Group-II consisted of 20 adult participants (40 ears) in the age range from 15-40 years with normal hearing sensitivity. All the participants underwent a detailed case history, pure tone audiometry, immitance and reflexometry and vHIT tests. Results: Mean VOR gain values for right and left horizontal canals, right anterior and left posterior canal for individual with hearing impaired is lesser than the individual with normal hearing. There were significant differences between group 1 and group 2 for VOR gain for right horizontal canal and left horizontal canal whereas significant difference was showed in right posterior canal, left anterior canal, right anterior canal and left posterior canal. Conclusions: Vestibular abnormality was seen for semi circular canals in individual with severe to profound hearing loss. Therefore, vestibular tests should be included along with various audiological tests in the diagnostic protocol for the assessment of individual with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.