Caloric testing primarily stimulates which frequency range of the horizontal semicircular canal?

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Multiple Choice

Caloric testing primarily stimulates which frequency range of the horizontal semicircular canal?

Explanation:
Caloric testing probes the horizontal semicircular canal at very low frequencies. By irrigating the ear with warm or cool stimuli, a temperature difference sets up endolymph convection that deflects the cupula even when the head is still. The response develops and wanes slowly, with a long time constant, so the effective stimulus is extremely slow—about 0.003 Hz. In other words, caloric testing provides a near-DC input to the canal, highlighting low-frequency function. This is why it’s not used to assess high-frequency canal performance, which is tested with rapid head movements or impulse tests.

Caloric testing probes the horizontal semicircular canal at very low frequencies. By irrigating the ear with warm or cool stimuli, a temperature difference sets up endolymph convection that deflects the cupula even when the head is still. The response develops and wanes slowly, with a long time constant, so the effective stimulus is extremely slow—about 0.003 Hz. In other words, caloric testing provides a near-DC input to the canal, highlighting low-frequency function. This is why it’s not used to assess high-frequency canal performance, which is tested with rapid head movements or impulse tests.

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