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Published on: January 29, 2014
Diagnostic tools in pseudohypacusis in children.
N Saravanappa1, G A Mepham, D A Bowdler
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street, London SE13 6LH, UK.
Summary
Diagnosing pseudohypacusis, or functional hearing loss, is now faster and easier using otoacoustic emissions testing. This method improves upon previous audiological and speech audiometry techniques for identifying non-organic hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pseudohypacusis, a non-organic hearing loss, is often diagnosed through inconsistent audiological test results.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, particularly in children, due to a lack of awareness and their difficulty in consistently faking results.
- Previous research highlighted speech audiometry's utility, but testing protocols have evolved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing in diagnosing pseudohypacusis.
- To introduce OAE testing as a primary diagnostic tool for functional hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing into the audiological assessment protocol.
- Comparison of diagnostic efficiency with previous methods like speech audiometry.
Main Results:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing provides a quick and simple method for diagnosing pseudohypacusis.
- This technique offers a more efficient approach compared to traditional audiological evaluations.
Conclusions:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing is a valuable and efficient tool for diagnosing functional hearing loss.
- The adoption of OAE testing simplifies and accelerates the diagnosis of pseudohypacusis, especially in pediatric cases.
