METHODS: A group of 33 healthy children, aged from 5 years 9 months-12 years 4 months (mean ± SD = 8.83 ± 1.92 years), was recruited. Their otolith saccular function was assessed using 750 Hz tone burst for cVEMPs (with ER3A insert phone), while their utricular function was assessed using Brüel & Kjaer Mini-shaker Type 4810 (Naerum, Denmark) for oVEMPs.
RESULTS: For cVEMPs, the mean value of P13 latency, N23 latency, P13-N23 interamplitude and asymmetry ratio were 12.62 ± 1.38 ms, 19.85 ± 1.95 ms, 92.47 ± 50.35 μV and 14.03 ± 9.75%, respectively. For oVEMPs, the mean value of N10 latency, P15 latency, N10-P15 interamplitude and asymmetry ratio were 9.23 ± 1.07 ms, 14.41 ± 1.04 ms, 10.32 ± 5.65 μV and 15.84 ± 11.49%, respectively. Two-way ANOVA analysis found that ear laterality and gender had no significant effect on all cVEMPs and oVEMPs parameters. No significant correlation was found between age and all VEMPs parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: The normative data for cVEMPs and oVEMPs obtained in this study can be used as a guide by health professionals to assess saccular and utricular functions among children age from 5 to 12 years of age.