Vestibular hypersensitivity to sound (Tullio phenomenon)

Abstract

The normal galvanic vestibulocollic responses indicate that sound sensitivity in patients with the Tullio phenomenon is likely to occur distal to the vestibular nerve, probably at the level of the receptors. Both click hypersensitivity and dehiscence of the anterior (superior) semicircular canal are associated with the Tullio phenomenon but as the CT scan abnormality can occur in clinically unaffected ears, click testing is important for specific diagnosis. Abnormal sound sensitivity, as demonstrated by click responses, confirms that the radiologic abnormality is function significant.