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Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions and Their Suppression as Predictors of Peripheral Auditory Damage in Migraine: A Case-Control Study

M. Albanese, S. di Girolamo, L. Silvani, Eleonora Ciaschi, B. Chiaramonte, M. Conti, F. Passàli, B. Di Gioia et al.

Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2021

10 citations

Abstract

Although several cochleo-vestibular symptoms are commonly associated with migraine, only a limited number of studies have been done in this regard. Some reported abnormalities in audiometry, auditory brainstem response and vestibular tests, considering these manifestations mainly related to central etiology. However, increasing evidence also suggests a peripheral involvement of the inner ear in migraine. The aim of this study was to investigate the peripheral auditory pathway in migraineurs using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), to detect alteration of cochlear functioning and possible relationship with disease severity. Sixty-two migraineurs and sixty matched controls were enrolled in the study and underwent a routine neuro-otolaryngology examination; self-administered questionnaires were used to evaluate subjective perception of hearing disability. DPOAE and their suppression were lower in migraineurs compared to controls and significantly related to the disease duration. Altered DPOAE exposed migraineurs to the risk of affecting by migraine without aura, of presenting with ocular and/or auditory symptoms during attack and of using more painkillers. Concomitant dopaminergic symptoms and/or allodynia such as the acute non-consumption of triptans were significant determinants of decreased contralateral suppression of DPOAE among migraineurs. This potential subclinical cochlear impairment in migraine detected by OAEs may represent the earliest sign of sensorineural damage in…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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