The use of diagnostic testing in asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.
Publication/Presentation Date
10-1-1990
Abstract
The etiology of an asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss can often be difficult to determine. Because a wide variety of pathologic processes may be responsible for the hearing loss, numerous diagnostic tests are usually used in the initial evaluation, including pure-tone audiometry, acoustic reflex testing, imaging, serologic testing, and auditory brainstem response testing. The diagnostic evaluations of 225 consecutive cases of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss are reviewed. A cochlear site-of-lesion was demonstrated in the majority (194) of patients. Because all retrocochlear lesions (31) were associated with an abnormal auditory brainstem response, imaging should be performed in that group of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging offers greater specificity than computed tomography. Reflex decay, acoustic reflex testing, and rollover were all associated with a high false-negative rate. Whereas serologic testing for syphilis yielded several cases of otosyphilis, thyroid function testing was of little value. A diagnostic protocol for asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss is presented.
Volume
103
Issue
4
First Page
593
Last Page
598
ISSN
0194-5998
Published In/Presented At
Hendrix, R. A., DeDio, R. M., & Sclafani, A. P. (1990). The use of diagnostic testing in asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 103(4), 593–598. https://doi.org/10.1177/019459989010300411
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
2123317
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology
Document Type
Article