Abstract
The effect of low frequency sound (LFS) on postural stability was studied in 55 healthy volunteers and in 50 patients with Meniere's disease. The sound levels ranged from 130 to 132 dB and were given at frequencies of 25, 50 and 63 Hz. The patients with Meniere's disease displayed increased body sway during stimulation. In the individual response, 26% of the patients with Meniere's disease experienced significant body sway. The results demonstrate that subjects with Meniere's disease are sensitive to low frequency sound. The activation of vestibulo-spinal responses by low frequency sound seems to be a result of the Tullio phenomenon, in which sound energy activates the vestibular end-organ.