Electrocochleography and phase audiometry for diagnosis of Meniere's disease

The diagnosis of Meniere's disease is uncertain when the typical symptoms d o not occur completely and definitely. A reliable finding of an endolymphat ic hydrops (EH) is the base for a correct prognosis and therapy. Electrococ hleography is a proven diagnostic procedure but requires a lot of time and of technical know-how. The mobility of cochlear partition can be tested by low-frequency masking (LFM) recording the phase dependent subjective masked threshold of a short test tone. We performed electrocochleography and LFM in 29 patients with suspected Meniere's disease at the same day. Both tests pointed at an EH in 62%, and in 24% the results showed corespondent negati ve results. In 14% the results were inconsistent. Both methods also showed in 59% of the contralateral ears without symptomatic signs the indication o f an EH. Considering the good conformity of both tests the easier LFM can b e recommended for detection of EH.