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Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
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Weber test accuracy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: which frequency is best?
Omer J Ungar1, Ophir Handzel1, Yahav Oron1
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv: Sourasky: Medical Center, "Sackler" School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|February 15, 2021
Summary
The 500 Hz tuning fork is the most sensitive for diagnosing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). While 94.49% sensitive, higher frequencies like 512 or 1024 Hz may improve SSNHL identification.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) diagnosis often includes the Weber test (WT).
- Identifying the optimal tuning fork frequency for WT in suspected SSNHL is crucial but not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the most sensitive tuning fork frequency for the initial Weber test in patients with suspected SSNHL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for SSNHL patients who underwent formal audiometry with WT.
- WT was performed using various tuning fork frequencies during audiometry.
Main Results:
- 319 patient records were analyzed.
- The 500 Hz tuning fork demonstrated the highest sensitivity (94.49%) for SSNHL detection.
- A trend towards significance was observed between 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz, with 500 Hz and 1000 Hz showing non-significant differences.
Conclusions:
- 500 Hz is the most sensitive frequency for SSNHL diagnosis via WT, though its sensitivity is 94.49%.
- Frequencies of 512 Hz or 1024 Hz may offer improved SSNHL identification.
- WT lateralization does not rule out SSNHL; formal audiometry is recommended for suspected cases with normal otoscopy.
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