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Acoustic neuromas presenting as sudden hearing loss
1Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Sudden hearing loss affects 22% of acoustic neuroma patients, often presenting with small tumors and specific audiological patterns. Researchers suggest a cochlear nerve conduction block as the likely cause.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Audiology
Background:
- Progressive hearing loss is common in acoustic neuroma patients.
- Sudden hearing loss is a less recognized but significant symptom in acoustic neuroma cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and audiological characteristics of patients with acoustic neuromas presenting with sudden hearing loss.
- To explore the potential etiology of sudden hearing loss in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 132 patients with surgically confirmed unilateral acoustic neuromas.
- Analysis of clinical history, audiological data, and presenting symptoms in patients who experienced sudden hearing loss.
Main Results:
- 22% of patients (29 out of 132) reported sudden hearing loss.
- Patients with sudden hearing loss typically had small tumors, short symptom duration, and fewer associated neurological symptoms (vertigo, facial/trigeminal nerve issues).
- Audiograms often showed a 'trough' configuration, and caloric responses were normal.
Conclusions:
- Sudden hearing loss in acoustic neuroma patients is associated with specific clinical and audiological findings.
- A conduction block in the cochlear nerve is proposed as the primary etiological factor for sudden hearing loss in these patients.