Chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH): From symptoms to a patient-oriented measure
09-10, 17:30–18:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Equlibirium 1

<p>Background: Chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) is a disabling condition characterized by persistent imbalance, dizziness, and a significant decline in quality of life (QoL). Despite its clinical relevance, the long-term symptomatology and functional burden associated with chronic UVH remain under-characterized.</p> <p>Outcome objectives: This lecture presents an integrated overview of five studies conducted as part of a PhD project to advance our understanding of chronic UVH from multiple dimensions, including symptom burden, diagnostic complexity, and patient-reported outcomes.</p> <p>Description: The first study is a systematic review and meta-analysis that consolidates chronic symptom profiles in UVH and examines the effect of various interventions on symptom resolution. Findings highlight the heterogeneity and persistence of symptoms even after vestibular interventions.</p> <p>Building on these findings, in the second study, a qualitative study using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework explored the full spectrum of symptoms and their life impact through in-depth interviews with 15 patients. This study highlighted several crucial domains that are rarely captured by traditional self-report tools.</p> <p>In the third study, a retrospective cohort analysis of 251 patients evaluated the underlying etiologies, clinical subtypes, and frequent co-diagnoses. The QoL was assessed across domains, and potential predictors of poor QoL were identified.</p> <p>To contextualize UVH burden, the fourth study compared QoL outcomes between patients with chronic UVH and those with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP). Both disease-specific and general health PROMs were used, alongside normative population data. This comparison emphasized that chronic UVH, while often perceived as “less severe,” is associated with a substantial and comparable QoL decline to BVP.</p> <p>Finally, the fifth study tested the validity and reliability of the Bilateral Vestibulopathy Questionnaire (BVQ) in chronic UVH patients. Psychometric analysis supported its adapted use in this population, suggesting it may fill an important gap in outcome measurement.</p> <p>Collectively, these studies provide a comprehensive, multi-method evaluation of chronic UVH and propose practical strategies to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and patient-centered care.</p>
<p>The purpose of this proposal is to present a synthesis of key findings from five interrelated studies on chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction, covering symptom burden, clinical subtypes, quality of life outcomes, the evaluation of patient-reported measures, and to develop a tailored patient-oriented measure.</p>
Session Chair Session Chair
Fazıl Necdet Ardıç
Speaker Speaker
Mustafa Karabulut
Fazıl Necdet Ardıç
<p>He graduated from the Medical Faculty of Aegean University in 1989 and completed his residency in Otolaryngology at İzmir Atatürk Education and Research Hospital in 1994. Following this, he spent a year as a research fellow in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1997, he received his first academic appointment at Pamukkale University. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Turkish Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Association, the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, the Neurotological and Equilibriometric Society, and the Mediterranean Society of Otology and Audiology. He has authored numerous articles, book chapters, and books in both Turkish and English, primarily focused on Otology and Neurotology. In recent years, his research has centered on hearing reconstruction, implants, endoscopic ear surgery, vestibular disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation.</p>
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Mustafa Karabulut
<p>Mustafa Karabulut is currently a PhD candidate in the Division of Balance Disorders, Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat at Maastricht University Medical Center in Maastricht, The Netherlands. He holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Audiology from Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye, with an academic background in vestibular science. His research focuses on vestibular disorders, with a particular interest in unilateral vestibular hypofunction, bilateral vestibulopathy, and vestibular implantation. He has published several papers in national and international leading journals, and has presented at prestigious international conferences such as the Bárány Society Meetings. Previously, he worked as a Research Assistant at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University and as a clinical audiologist at Kastamonu State Hospital for a total of 3 years. Fluent in Turkish and English, with upper-intermediate proficiency in Dutch, he is dedicated to advancing vestibular science and audiology through clinical research and innovation.</p>
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