Influence of Age on Results of Vestibular Function Tests: Review of Literature and Presentation of Caloric Test Results

Abstract

Following a bibliographic review of currently known, age-dependent morphological and functional changes of the vestibular and auditory system, results are presented of our investigations concerning the influence of age on the outcome of the caloric test on 102 healthy subjects from six age groups ranging between the ages of 11 and 70 years. They prove, without any doubt, that the absolute values of nystagmic parameters in the caloric test are dependent upon age; but not in such a way that the intensity of reaction decreases with advancing age. On the contrary, they indicate that in awake, healthy subjects of middle and late middle-age, the most intensive reactions occur (maximum slow phase velocity, maximum amplitude, maximum frequency, total number of beats). In addition, based on the statistical analysis, it seems probable that the extent of the side difference of excitability depends upon age. Individuals in their middle years show side differences to a considerably lesser degree than children and elderly subjects. These represent findings which, to our knowledge, are reported here for the first time. Provided our results gain further substantiation, standard values for a true quantitative evaluation of the caloric test could only be determined as in the audiometric functional tests on the basis of larger test series of healthy subjects belonging to different age groups.

Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: A review of the literature

“…The vestibular system is anatomically developed and responsive at birth, but matures along with other senses in the first seven to 10 years of life (2). The evaluation must take into account the developmental stage of all the anatomical relationships of the ear and vestibular system (Eustachian tube, temporomandibular joint, facial nerve, oculomotor nerves and ocular pathways, etc) (42,43), as well as the maturation of postural control (2,3). Vestibular disorders due to either congenital anomalies or trauma may result in postural head tilt, delayed postural control and incoordination (3,(43)(44)(45).…”

The Oculomotor Systems Ability to Adapt to Structural Changes Caused by the Process of Senescence: A Review

“…The duration, velocity, acceleration, and accuracy of both horizontal and vertical saccades have been found to change with age (Huaman & Sharpe, 1993;Kelders et al, 2003;Mulch & Petermann, 1979;Paige, 1994). Saccadic eye movements generally have short durations with only minor disturbances of the visual processing (Garbutt et al, 2003).…”

Assessment: Vestibular testing techniques in adults and children [RETIRED]

“…The vestibular system is anatomically developed and functionally responsive by birth, 99 although vestibular responses can be variable. [100][101][102] VOR responses in neonates 24 to 120 hours old are poor, but normalize by 2 months of age 103 and mature further in the first 2 years of life. 99 Eviatar and Eviatar 100 elicited vestibular responses to ice water and rotations in the vast majority of 276 neonates between birth and 48 months of age; responses were sometimes not initially obtained in premature neonates and in those less than 6 months old.…”

“…By age 10 months, the absence of VOR responses can be considered abnormal. 95,99,101,102,[107][108][109][111][112][113] Ice water and rotational vestibular responses can sometimes be obtained in neonates, but lack of a response in a child less than 6 months of age is not necessarily abnormal. 95,100 Technical modifications.…”

“…A number of Class IV studies have documented vestibular responses in normal children. 95,99,101,102,107,109,[111][112][113] Two controlled studies have been done showing no vestibular loss in children with otitis media 120 and dyslexia 123 compared with age-matched control subjects. Published studies raise no safety concerns in children undergoing caloric or rotational testing.…”