VESTIBULAR ASSESSMENT: FREQUENCIES CURRENTLY EXAMINED

Abstract

The inner ear is an organ that responds to frequencies, both in its cochlear and vestibular components (cochleo-vestibular organ).  Currently, there are different technologies that multi-frequency evaluate the ear in its two components.  The cochlea is assessed in its auditory functional range, using sound stimulation that ranges from 125 Hz to 16,000 Hz, and the vestibular organ is assessed using technology that uses different stimuli (thermal, sound, vibration, rotation, head movement).

OBJECTIVE: Reflect on what frequencies the equipment currently evaluates to know the function of the vestibular organ.

METHODOLOGY: Describe the frequencies usually assessed in equipment that measures vestibular function and analyze whether the type of stimulus used is physiological and functional or only functional. The documentary studies are: Electrocochleography, Miogenicos Vestibular Potencial (VEMPS), Vibrational Test, Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Rotating Test, Caloric Test. 

CONCLUSION: The current assessment of vestibular function leaves aside the analysis of medium and low frequencies through physiological and functional stimuli such as the vestibulo-oculomotor reflex.