Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials mediate the association between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops and clinical outcomes in acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss

To explore the relationship between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and prognosis in acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) and to analyze the mediating role of cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP).

cVEMP testing may serve as a useful mediating biomarker linking vestibular endolymphatic hydrops to prognosis in acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss, suggesting clinicians consider cVEMP assessment when evaluating recovery outlook — though further prospective validation is needed before changing routine practice.

Understanding the mechanistic pathway between endolymphatic hydrops and hearing recovery could refine prognostic protocols and eventually guide targeted treatment decisions for a poorly understood sudden hearing loss subtype.

1. 01cVEMPs mediate the relationship between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops and clinical outcomes in acute low-tone SNHL.
2. 02Vestibular endolymphatic hydrops was associated with poorer prognosis in this patient population.
3. 03cVEMP abnormalities may serve as a prognostic biomarker for hearing recovery.
4. 04Findings suggest the saccule (part of the balance system) plays a role in this hearing loss subtype.
5. 05Results are observational; prospective studies are needed to confirm clinical utility.

PMID

42472966

DOI

10.1007/s00405-026-10407-5.

Journal

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

2b

Population

Patients with acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss evaluated for vestibular endolymphatic hydrops

Intervention

Cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) testing