Functional hearing loss presenting as sudden hearing loss: a case report.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Functional hearing loss can mimic organic conditions, posing diagnostic challenges.
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss requires careful evaluation to determine the etiology.
• Musicians are particularly vulnerable to hearing issues due to occupational demands.

Observation:

• A musician presented with sudden sensorineural hearing loss in their only hearing ear.
• Pure-tone audiometry demonstrated consistent results, initially complicating diagnosis.
• Psychiatric evaluation indicated hysterical conversion as the underlying cause.

Findings:

• Brain stem evoked response audiometry (BSERA) was pivotal in diagnosing functional hearing loss.
• The case underscores diagnostic difficulties associated with functional hearing loss.
• Consistent audiometric results can mask non-organic causes.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of functional hearing loss is essential for appropriate patient management.
• Understanding the psychological underpinnings of hearing loss is critical.
• Further research into differentiating functional from organic hearing loss is warranted.