Assessment of Utricular Function in Individuals with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media Using Subjective Visual Vertical Test and Dizziness Handicap Inventory

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to evaluate utricular function in individuals with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). The utricular function was assessed using subjective visual vertical (SVV) in bucket test, computerized SVV (static and dynamic), and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Methods: A total of 70 participants aged 18 to 60 years were enrolled. Thirty five had CSOM and 35 served as controls with normal vestibular function. All participants underwent the SVV bucket test, computerized static SVV, and dynamic SVV (clockwise and counter clockwise). The DHI was administered only to the CSOM group to assess self perceived dizziness effect. Results: In the group with CSOM dizziness was reported by 46% of the individuals in DHI administration. Compared with controls, the individuals in CSOM group demonstrated significantly deviations in SVV bucket. The computerized static SVV and dynamic SVV (both clockwise and counter clockwise) measures showed stronger significant difference significance (p < 0.05) between the groups. Among SVV tests the computerized dynamic SVV showed greater deviance in differentiating between the groups than SVV in computerized static and bucket test measures. Conclusion: The computerized dynamic SVV enhances sensitivity in detecting vestibular dysfunction when the traditional acoustically stimulated vestibular evoked myogenic potentials cannot be conducted in individuals with CSOM. The significant difference between the groups indicates that computerized dynamic SVV greater sensitivity in detecting vestibular dysfunction individuals with CSOM.