Vestibular Dysfunction in Patients with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct

ObjectiveEnlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is the most common inner ear malformation. While a strong correlative relationship between EVA and hearing loss is well established, its association with vestibular dysfunction is less well understood. In this study, we examine the effects of EVA on the vestibular system in patients with EVA.Study DesignProspective, cross-sectional study of a cohort ascertained between 1999 and 2013.SettingNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center, a federal biomedical research facility.Subjects and MethodsIn total, 106 patients with unilateral or bilateral EVA, defined as a midpoint diameter greater than 1.5 mm, were referred or self-referred to participate in a study of the clinical and molecular aspects of EVA. Clinical history was ascertained with respect to the presence or absence of various vestibular signs and symptoms and history of head trauma. Videonystagmography (VNG), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), and rotational vestibular testing (RVT) w...