Normative values for semicircular canal function with the video head impulse test (vHIT) in healthy adolescents

Abstract

Background

The vHIT device, which has a mechanism based on measuring the VOR gain, helps us to quickly evaluate six semicircular canals.

Aims/Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish normative values for semicircular canal function with the video head impulse test (vHIT) battery in normal adolescents.

Material and methods

100 (50 females, 50 males) individuals aged 11-18 years, with a mean age of 14.99 years, were included in the study.

Results

As a result of the vHIT evaluations performed with vHIT Otometrics ICS Impulse A/S Taastrup, Denmark, the mean lateral canal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain value was 0.96, the mean anterior canal VOR gain value was 0.89, and the mean posterior canal VOR gain value was 0.87, all of which were within the normal value range.

Conclusion and significance

While the VOR gain values and asymmetry values are within the normal value range and are similar to the literature, no statistically significant correlation was observed between these values and age. As a result, the vHIT battery is an easy, fast, and practical test method that can be used in adolescents.