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Comparison of Saccular Function in Nonmusicians and Violinists Using cVEMP: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction  Human auditory and vestibular systems change due to noise exposure. Professional musicians are often subjected to loud music and longer durations as part of their practice. Although the effects of music have been explored extensively on the auditory system, it is important to understand changes in the vestibular system also. The current study is aimed to compare cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) findings in nonmusicians and violinists to understand if there are any changes in the P1 and N1 latencies and absolute amplitudes in the violinists’ groups because of their exposure to violin music. Materials and Methods  Twelve participants (6 nonmusicians and 6 violinists) of both genders were included in the study. Pure tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were performed on all the participants. cVEMP P1 and N1 latencies and absolute amplitudes were obtained, and overall mean differences were compared within and between groups. Results  Pure tone average and DPOAE were within the normal range between and within the groups. Results indicate that P1 and N1 absolute amplitudes and latencies were slightly prolonged in the violinists’ group; however, the mean difference was not statistically significant. Comparison of mean absolute amplitudes and latencies between the ears in the violinists’ group showed longer latencies and greater absolute amplitudes in the left ear of violinists as compared with the right ear. In the study, the violinists’ group consisted of participants who had an average daily exposure of about one-and-a-half hours and had an experience of playing the instrument for more than 5 years. Conclusion  cVEMP is useful in detecting early changes in the saccule that may occur due to noise exposure. It can be concluded that, even before a clinically detectable hearing loss or vestibular damage, changes in saccule are observed with the help of cVEMP and should be included in the audiovestibular test for early identification.