Air calorics: a technique and results.

A major problem with air calorics appears to be one of technique. A pilot study led to the design of irrigating tips which allow consistant air presentation and simultaneous measurements of irrigating temperature at the delivery orifice (adding a second sensor). Preset temperatures of 24 C and 50 C in our system yielded air equilibration mean temperatures of 27.4 C and 45 C at the delivery orifice during testing. A normal study was carried out at these temperatures with an air flow of six liters per minute for 60 seconds. The range of caloric responses, mean maximum speed, and standard deviation are comparable to values previously reported with water stimulations. Statistical testing indicated no difference between ears for either warm or cold. Also, there was no significant difference for warm versus cold responses. We have performed over 2000 clinical examinations that incorporate this technique with satisfactory results and remarkable acceptance by the patients. The normal or "standard" probe size has been found to be adequate for the majority of the clinic population.