[Balloon method and water irrigation in thermal vestibular assessment. Electronystagmographic comparison of both methods].

In cases of large central perforation of the eardrum, caloric test of the vestibular organ cannot be carried out by irrigation of the external auditory canal with water but must be done with a balloon instilled in the external auditory canal perfused with water. Caloric responses were registered by using water irrigation and balloon irrigation in 40 healthy persons. Nystagmographic registrations were analysed. Frequency, slow phase velocity and amplitude of nystagmus were measured. Cumulative percentage curves of the four caloric responses are drawn to compare the distribution of data in balloon and water irrigation (Figures 2-5). In addition, mean values and standard deviations of data and of difference in excitability related to the total excitability are recorded in table 1. Statistics (Wilcoxon test for matched pairs) reveals no significant differences in nystagmographic pattern of caloric reactions between water and balloon stimulation. It is concluded that in the caloric test of the vestibular organ balloon irrigation is equivalent to water irrigation. Balloon irrigation is more comfortable for the patient and easier to handle.