Why does sound stimulation not cause dizziness?

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q2 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

American Journal of Otolaryngology Pub Date : 2026-05-01 Epub Date: 2026-04-21 DOI:10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104839

Hiroaki Ichijo, Hisako Ichijo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Sound waves stimulate the saccule. Therefore, sound waves are transmitted from the perilymph to the endolymph, causing the otolithic membrane of the saccule to vibrate and the cilia of the hair cells to move. Nevertheless, dizziness does not occur in response to auditory stimuli. To investigate this mystery, we examined the presence or absence of dizziness and nystagmus when loud sounds were presented to healthy individuals and reconsidered the auditory reception mechanism.

Methods

Ten healthy individuals without ear pathology were studied. Stapedial reflex testing was performed on both ears using an impedance audiometer and the occurrence of dizziness and nystagmus was examined.

Results

None of the subjects complained of dizziness or showed nystagmus.

Conclusions

The saccule does not cause nystagmus or dizziness. Sound waves do not stimulate the lateral semicircular canal, this means that sound waves selectively stimulate the saccule (i.e., no vertical expansion). As an auditory mechanism, we propose the endolymph conduction theory, in which sound waves are transmitted through the ductus reuniens to the endolymph of the cochlear duct and directly bend the cilia of the hair cells. This is more scientific and credible than Bekesy's traveling wave theory.

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为什么声音刺激不会引起头晕？

背景：声波刺激囊。因此，声波从淋巴周围传播到内淋巴，引起耳囊的耳石膜振动和毛细胞的纤毛运动。然而，听觉刺激不会引起头晕。为了研究这个谜团，我们检查了当大声声音呈现给健康个体时是否存在头晕和眼球震颤，并重新考虑听觉接收机制。方法：对10例无耳部病变的健康人进行研究。用阻抗听力计对双耳进行镫骨反射测试，并检查头晕和眼球震颤的发生情况。结果：所有受试者均无头晕或眼球震颤症状。结论：该球囊不会引起眼球震颤或头晕。声波不刺激外侧半规管，这意味着声波有选择性地刺激囊（即没有垂直扩张）。作为一种听觉机制，我们提出了内淋巴传导理论，该理论认为声波通过耳蜗管的内淋巴传递到耳蜗管，并直接弯曲毛细胞的纤毛。这比Bekesy的行波理论更科学可信。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

American Journal of Otolaryngology 医学-耳鼻喉科学

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

4.00%

发文量

378

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Be fully informed about developments in otology, neurotology, audiology, rhinology, allergy, laryngology, speech science, bronchoesophagology, facial plastic surgery, and head and neck surgery. Featured sections include original contributions, grand rounds, current reviews, case reports and socioeconomics.