Results of new air caloric testing method among normal subjects. II. Monophasic testing.

A new caloric irrigation method is described. In the new method, the temperature of a continuous aural irrigation is switched between hot and cold values at precisely specified times. The durations of hot and cold pulses have been calculated to produce specific caloric stimulation intensities based on known heat transmission characteristics of the labyrinth area. A brief "washout" irrigation is used to eliminate promptly all caloric stimulation effects at the conclusion of each test. The present study concentrated upon the question of how long the "washout" pulse should be in order to obtain optimum results. Repetitive application of a uniform stimulus intensity to 6 normal subjects indicated that short inter-test intervals can be used without causing vestibular habituation. Prompt removal of the caloric stimulus can be accomplished by proper timing the "washout" phase of the new technique.