Age-Related Changes in the Shape and Frequency Limits of the Amplitude-modulated cVEMP Temporal Modulation Transfer Function

Age-related degradations are seen in AMcVEMP. The trend toward an upward shift in normalized amplitude and downward shifts in normalized SNR and PC may reflect age-related changes in sternocleidomastoid properties; however, these interpretations should be made with caution. Reduced TMTF limit suggests diminished vestibular temporal processing with aging. The best response between 23 and 113 Hz across age groups informs optimization of AMcVEMP protocols and their clinical utility; the high inter-subject variability across groups, and lower response rates among older adults, remain a challenge. Exploring alternative carrier frequencies (e.g., 100 to 250 Hz) that are closer to the resonance frequency of the otolith organs would be an interesting avenue for future investigation.