Strengths and Clinical applicability
In this study, our population of patients represents a common clinical scenario in which auditory profiles do not substantially determine eligibility for further evaluation.
Under normal conditions, a small difference in vestibular excitability does not alter central vestibular symmetry. In contrast, stronger stimulation enhances the small imbalance in central vestibular symmetry that already exists between both labyrinths. . This allows for the VIN to be used to detect small asymmetries. This property is, in our opinion, the main strength of the VIN test, and may be taken advantage of to detect VS, as our results suggest.
This test causes only minor discomfort for the patient, and has high diagnostic accuracy, and should be considered before referring such patients out for further imaging. Further studies that include additional clinical variables may further increase both the sensitivity and specificity of the VIN test, thus improving the detection of VS in ASNHL patients.