Dynamics of pure tone audiometry and DPOAE changes induced by glycerol in Meniere's disease

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 May;270(5):1751-6. doi: 10.1007/s00405-012-2246-6. Epub 2012 Nov 16.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to follow up the dynamics of pure tone threshold and DPOAE amplitude changes induced by glycerol with reference to its activity in the inner ear. Selection was made among 38 patients with Meniere's disease for those having positive glycerol test. Pure-tone audiometry and DP-gram were performed in four series: as an initial examination before glycerol intake, 1, 2 and 3 h after. Audiometric changes formed distinct biphasal pattern at all frequencies between 250 and 4,000 Hz. The most dynamic pure tone threshold decrease occurred during the first hour. Between the first and second hour after glycerol ingestion there was a phase of no significant hearing changes. Further pure tone threshold decrease went on within the third hour reaching its top. Observing DPOAE changes, the highest DP amplitude growth occurred after the second and the third hour at DP-gram frequencies 2, 3 and 4 kHz. The fastest DP-amplitude increase was registered as well during the first hour after glycerol ingestion. In 11 persons with both audiometry and DPOAE positive glycerol test, parallel dynamics in the course of the glycerol test was observed. Biphasal glycerol test dynamics suggests the possibility of two mechanisms of glycerol activity in the inner ear.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone / methods
  • Auditory Threshold
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Endolymphatic Hydrops / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Glycerol* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis*
  • Middle Aged
  • Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / drug effects*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Glycerol