Neurosensory hearing loss has been reported as one of the major complications of acute and chronic otitismedia. However, the effect on the vestibular function is not well known. In this report, we have reviewedthe vestibular function of 3964 patients with acute and chronic otitis media (excluding cholesteatoma) whovisited Aichi Medical University Hospital between 1998 and 2003.
1) Vestibular complication due to acute otitis media.
Vertigo occurred in approximately one percent (1%) of the acute otitis media patients. Nystagmus oftendisappeared within a week. Treatment options included antibiotic medications, ATP agents, and myringoto-my and/or tube ventilation.
2) Vestibular complication due to chronic otitis media.Vertigo occurred in approximately five percent (5%) of the chronic otitis media patients. Fifty percent (50%) of the patients showed various patterns of nystagmus.Although it is not well documented, BPPV canalso be caused by chronic otitis media.
3) Vestibular complication due to eosinophilic otitis media.Hearing loss can occur in the early stages of eosinophilic otitis media.Whereas, vertigo seldom occurs inthe early stages of acute and chronic otitis media.Vestibular damage became more frequent when the averagehearing level exceeded 60dB.
Conclusions: We have reviewed the vestibular function of the patients with acute and chronic otitismedia (including eosinophilic otitis media). Findings revealed vestibular damage may be recognized as havinga more mild effect on the vestibular function than on cochlear damage, but this requires more follow-up.Caloric testing mainly stimulates the horizontal semicircular canal, and it only imparts a -0.01Hz low frequencystimulation. Further analysis is needed to clarify the findings of vestibular damage in patients with acuteand chronic otitis media.
