Question
In pediatric vestibular evaluation, is there any clinical significance of high gain during rotary chair testing?
Answer
That's a very good question. I haven't seen indications of this in the literature, although literature in this area is quite sparse. I personally haven't seen clinical significance here, although one of my recent studies did indicate that children may demonstrate higher overall gain measures than adults, at least at some test frequencies. Certainly with high gain and strong output, one may begin to consider a hyperactive system, but I am not aware of an evidence-based correlate there with this population. For example, I haven't seen a high gain measure that would correlate with clinical findings such as a hyperactive system, motion sickness, or other clinical entity. I would be interested in hearing more about such findings and there's an idea for a nice research study in there somewhere!
This Ask the Expert question was based on information in the recorded course, "Pediatric Vestibular Evaluation",
Maureen Valente, Ph.D., earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She spent her Clinical Fellowship Year in the Chicago area, in the office of G.E. Shambaugh, M.D. Subsequent work experiences included private practice and medical settings in the Kansas City and Omaha areas, including employment at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha. After moving to the St. Louis area, Dr. Valente was employed as a full-time faculty member for 18 years at Saint Louis University. She graduated with her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis. Shortly thereafter, she was delighted to accept a position as the Director of Audiology Studies within the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences (PACS) at Washington University School of Medicine. She carries a joint appointment within PACS and as an Assistant Professor within the university's Department of Otolaryngology. Areas of interest include development of Au.D. education, diagnostic audiology, auditory processing disorders and vestibular evaluation in the pediatric patient.