Table 1 Relative advantage and limitations of laboratory vestibular tests.
From: Study of streptomycin-induced ototoxicity: protocol for a longitudinal study
Laboratory vestibular test | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
ENG caloric | Possibility of separate side stimulation Availability Highly sensitive for unilateral loss | Tests mainly lateral SCC Non-physiologic stimulus Low sensitivity in bilateral loss Tests only low frequencies |
Rotating chair | Allows for high-frequency testing Physiologic stimulus Allows differentiation between central and peripheral impairment | Bilateral simultaneous stimulation only Stimulation in horizontal plane only Lower than in caloric side sensitivity |
CDP | Assesses overall balance performance Directly reflects ability of everyday activity May identify abnormalities in case of normal ENG caloric Useful in rehabilitation and quantification of overall balance | Unable to localize site of lesion within vestibular system Possibility of “learning curve” in case of malingering |