The feasibility of using oto-acoustic emissions to monitor cochlear function during acoustic neuroma surgery

The feasibility of using evoked oto-acoustic emission (EOAE) measurement for intra-operative monitoring of cochlear function was assessed during removal of an acoustic neuroma in a 53-year-old woman with normal hearing on the operated side prior to surgery. The high level of noise in the operating theatre was the only material problem encountered and this was not sufficient to prevent recording of identifiable waveforms. During manipulation of the brainstem, damage to the cochlea was indicated by an increase in EOAE latency and its eventual disappearance. A total hearing loss in the operated ear was revealed after surgery. Monitoring cochlear function with EOAEs is probably best considered at present as an adjunct to auditory brainstem response monitoring of the composite cochlea and eighth nerve, thus providing differential information.