Normative data for the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration and visual suppression subtests of rotational testing for the Towson University Hearing and Balance Center

Abstract

Vestibular function, specifically the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), was evaluated in 31 adults ranging in age from 20-26 years old (18 females, 13 males) using the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration and visual suppression subtests of the rotary chair. All participants presented with normal hearing thresholds and no known vestibular issues. Twenty-nine adults completed a fitness test to determine overall cardiorespiratory fitness. These data were then used to examine fitness level in comparison to the VOR results. Normative data were collected for the new rotary chair in the Towson University Hearing and Balance Center. Test parameters included gain, phase, and symmetry of compensatory eye movements at various frequencies (speeds) of the rotary chair for both subtests. Gender and fitness level effects of these parameters were analyzed. No gender or fitness level effects were observed. The collected normative data are summarized in an appendix that can be used for diagnostic purposes. These data provide a useful baseline for audiologists to use to differentiate normal and abnormal vestibular function in individuals in this age range.