Your Audiology Test Results: A Guide for Patients - Otolaryngology

More Info

---

Understanding audiology test results can be quite complex, especially when multiple tests yield different outcomes. It’s important to approach these results systematically and understand what each component means.
Firstly, regarding the discrepancy in your pure-tone audiometry results, it’s not uncommon to see variations between different testing environments or even between different audiologists. A difference of 35 dB in one setting and 13-16 dB in another could be attributed to several factors, including the testing conditions, the equipment used, or even the patient's state during the test (e.g., fatigue, anxiety, or earwax buildup). Audiometric thresholds can fluctuate, and a difference of this magnitude may not necessarily indicate a significant clinical issue, but it should be discussed with your audiologist or ENT specialist for clarification.

The term "UW: Rt=28%" in your inner ear temperature test likely refers to the unilateral weakness percentage, which assesses the function of the vestibular system on the right side. A result of 28% suggests some degree of vestibular dysfunction, which could be indicative of an underlying issue affecting balance or hearing. Normal values can vary, but typically, a unilateral weakness of less than 20% is considered normal. Values above this may suggest a vestibular imbalance, which could warrant further investigation.

Regarding the C-VEMP (Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential) results you mentioned (P13, N23, Amp, IAD Ratio), these are specific measurements that assess the function of the vestibular system. The P13 and N23 are peaks in the response that reflect the activity of the vestibular pathways. Standard values can vary based on the population and specific testing protocols, but generally, the P13 latency should be around 13-15 ms, and the N23 latency should be around 23-25 ms. The amplitude (Amp) should also be interpreted in the context of the individual’s baseline and the IAD (Interaural Amplitude Difference) ratio, which compares the response between ears. A normal IAD ratio is typically less than 0.5, but again, this can vary.

As for the AEP (Auditory Evoked Potentials) and VNG (Videonystagmography) reports, these tests evaluate different aspects of auditory and vestibular function. AEP assesses the brain's response to sound stimuli, while VNG evaluates eye movements to assess balance and vestibular function. Both tests have specific normative data that your healthcare provider should be able to provide.
To interpret these reports effectively, it’s crucial to look at them in conjunction with your clinical symptoms and history. If you are experiencing symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing loss, these tests can help pinpoint the underlying cause. It’s advisable to have a detailed discussion with your ENT specialist or audiologist, who can explain the significance of each result and how they relate to your overall health. They can also guide you on the next steps, whether that involves further testing, treatment options, or referrals to other specialists.

In summary, while understanding audiology test results can be daunting, focusing on each component and discussing them with your healthcare provider will help clarify your situation. It’s essential to consider the results in the context of your symptoms and overall health to determine the best course of action.