(0907) Bucket Test in Chronic Otitis Media

Introduction: Subjective visual vertical (SVV) is the ability to evaluate the vertical plane. The Bucket Test is a simple test that evaluates the SVV and therefore the utricular function. Additionally, studies have shown vestibular impairment in chronic otitis media (COM) patients.

Methods: This is cross-sectional study conducted in a secondary care from September 2023 to January 2024. The SVV was assessed using the Bucket Test. In total, 10 measurements were performed, 5 measurements in the clockwise and 5 in the counterclockwise direction. Normal values of the Bucket Test were set to (-2,+2). COM patients were included as well as a group of healthy controls for comparison.

Results: A total of 40 patients were included: 20 patients with chronic otitis media and 20 healthy controls. The mean age of COM group was 45.8 years vs 26.8 years in the control group (p < 0.001). The clockwise measurements had a mean of 2.78 ± 1.6 vs 0.88 ± 0.32 and the counterclockwise measurements were 3.87 ± 1.46 vs 0.92 ± 0.32 in the COM group and control group, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The Bucket Test is an adequate test to evaluate the vestibular function in patients with chronic otitis media. COM patients have abnormal results on the SVV, potentially indicating an altered utricular function.