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Updated: May 18, 2026
09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
[Clinical features associated with sudden hearing loss in children]
Hidenobu Taiji1, Noriko Morimoto
1Division of Otolaryngology, National Center for Child Health and Development.
Nihon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho
|September 21, 2012
Summary
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISHL) in children is rare, often misdiagnosed. This study identified psychogenic hearing loss, mumps, and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome in pediatric cases initially presenting as ISHL.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is typically unilateral and idiopathic in adults, but often has identifiable causes in children.
- Idiopathic SSNHL (ISHL) is relatively rare in pediatric populations.
- This study examines pediatric cases initially diagnosed as ISHL but later found to have specific underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific causes of acute unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in children initially diagnosed as ISHL.
- To highlight diagnostic discrepancies and necessary investigations for pediatric hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Review of 20 pediatric cases with acute unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
- Utilized behavioral and objective audiological tests, including distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem response (ABR).
- Diagnostic confirmation through mumps IgM antibody testing and high-resolution CT imaging.
Main Results:
- Thirteen children (6-16 years) were diagnosed with psychogenic (functional) hearing loss, identified by discrepancies between behavioral and objective tests.
- Two children (7 and 11 years) had asymptomatic mumps-related hearing loss confirmed by serology.
- Five children (6-12 years) presented with enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, indicated by CT imaging, often with vertigo and specific hearing loss patterns.
Conclusions:
- Functional hearing loss is a significant diagnosis in pediatric ISHL, requiring careful audiological assessment.
- Mumps and enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome are important differential diagnoses for acute unilateral hearing loss in children.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis through appropriate testing is crucial for effective management of pediatric hearing loss.
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