Childhood psychogenic hearing loss: Identification and diagnosis
M Parodi1, I Rouillon1, C Rebours1
1Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75743 Paris Cedex15, France.
Insights
Psychogenic hearing loss, a common issue in childhood audiology, presents with variable hearing test results and a mismatch between pure-tone and speech audiometry. Objective testing aids diagnosis, leading to necessary rehabilitation and psychological support for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Child Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Psychogenic hearing loss (PHL), previously termed functional or non-organic hearing loss, is a frequent reason for pediatric audiology consultations.
- Risk factors identified include female gender and specific age groups (8 or 12 years).
- PHL typically manifests with sudden onset, without affecting academic performance or vocal quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the key characteristics and diagnostic indicators of psychogenic hearing loss in children.
- To emphasize the importance of objective audiological assessment for accurate diagnosis.
- To highlight the necessity of integrated rehabilitation and psychological care.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and audiological findings in children with psychogenic hearing loss.
- Description of characteristic audiometric signs: non-superimposable thresholds, bilaterality, flat audiometric curve, and pure-tone/speech audiometry discrepancy.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches, including the role of objective audiometry and attention-diversion techniques.
Main Results:
- Audiometric signs suggestive of PHL include variable results, bilateral involvement, a flat mean audiometric curve, and discrepancies between different hearing tests.
- Children require reassurance during testing, with attention-diversion techniques proving effective.
- Objective audiology is crucial for confirming the diagnosis of psychogenic hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Psychogenic hearing loss is a distinct condition in pediatric audiology requiring careful diagnosis.
- Objective audiological evaluations are essential for differentiating PHL from other hearing impairments.
- A comprehensive approach involving rehabilitation and psychological support is vital for managing children with psychogenic hearing loss.
Abstract:
Psychogenic hearing loss, formerly known as functional or non-organic hearing loss, is a classic cause of consultation in infantile audiology. Risk factors include female gender, and age 8 or 12 years. Onset is relatively sudden, without impact on schooling or voice quality. Audiometric signs comprise non-superimposable audiometric thresholds (variable audiometric results), bilaterality, flat mean audiometric curve, and discrepancy between pure-tone and speech audiometry. The child needs reassuring during audiometric examination: attention-diversion techniques may be effective. Objective audiometry allows positive diagnosis, followed by rehabilitation and psychological care.
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