BACKGROUNDThe cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure (CHAMP) is a new diagnostic technique for Meniere's disease (MD). But its value has not been well proven. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CHAMP for MD.

METHODSCHAMP test was taken in three populations using the Auditory Evoked Potential system delivered by Bio-logic Systems Corporation: (1) otologically normal subjects; (2) patients clinically diagnosed with definite MD; (3) patients clinically diagnosed with probable and possible MD.

RESULTSAccording to the comparison between the normal and definite MD group, if the abnormal criterion of CHAMP was defined as latency delay less than 0.3 ms, then the corresponding sensitivity was only 52%. However, if the abnormal criterion was defined as latency delay between 0.6 and 3.8 ms, then a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% can be achieved. The complex amplitude ratio showed a significant overlap between normal and definite MD group. If the abnormal criterion was defined as a complex amplitude ratio less than 0.95, the corresponding specificity was only 50%. However, if the abnormal criterion was defined as less than 0.80, the corresponding sensitivity was 60%, and the specificity was 97%. If the abnormal criterion of CHAMP was defined as latency delay less than 0.6 ms or the complex amplitude ratio less than 0.80, CHAMP result can be obtained in all subjects with good sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONSCHAMP can differentiate patients with Meniere's disease from otologically normal subjects with high sensitivity and specificity. The recommended criterion of abnormal CHAMP was a latency delay less than 0.6 ms or a complex amplitude ratio less than 0.80.