The Effect of Different Auditory Stimuli and Optokinetic Stimuli on Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Function

Korkmaz H., Cicek İ. B.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, vol.1555, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1555 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/nyas.70131
  • Journal Name: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, BIOSIS, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Chimica, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Public Affairs Index, zbMATH
  • Keywords: auditory stimuli, cognitive load, dual-task, fHIT correct response, optokinetic stimulation, semicircular canals, vestibulo-ocular reflex
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigated how auditory stimuli and optokinetic stimulation modulate functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT) correct response rate (CR%) across semicircular canals (SCCs) and the associated cognitive load in healthy adults. Fifty participants (20–57 years) completed repeated-measures fHIT under four conditions: silence, music, white noise, and optokinetic stimulation. The CR% from all SCCs were recorded and workload was assessed with the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Optokinetic stimulation produced the most significant CR% decrement (e.g., right lateral 90 vs. 100 in silence; p<0.001) and the highest workload (median NASA-TLX = 50). Auditory conditions produced minimal CR% changes. Across conditions, lateral SCCs were less affected than vertical SCCs by sensory and cognitive interference. Visual–vestibular conflict markedly reduced CR%, whereas auditory effects appeared indirect and attention mediated. These findings provide normative benchmarks for multisensory fHIT assessment.