Acoustic neuromas presenting as sudden deafness

Caution is required in diagnosing even apparently "obvious" causes of hearing loss. A patient is described who came to medical attention through referral from a lawyer for sudden deafness allegedly caused by exposure to noise in an industrial setting. Thorough evaluation revealed an acoustic neuroma. Review of the literature suggests that presentation of acoustic neuromas as sudden deafness is more common than generally recognized. Clinicians must be alert to this possibility and diligent in their evaluation of any unilateral ear symptoms.