Auditory Neuropathy Accompanying Unilateral Vestibulopathy
- Author:
Hye Young KIM
1
;
Jae Yun JUNG
;
Chung Ku RHEE
;
Myung Whan SUH
Author Information
1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. drmung@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Auditory neuropathy;
Vestibular Neuronitis;
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem;
Otoacoustic Emissions
- MeSH:
Compensation and Redress;
Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem;
Hair;
Hearing Loss;
Hearing Loss, Central;
Humans;
Lung Neoplasms;
Masks;
Middle Aged;
Neural Conduction;
Sensation;
Tinnitus;
Tuberculosis;
Vertigo;
Vestibular Neuronitis
- From:Journal of the Korean Balance Society
2009;8(1):60-65
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Auditory neuropathy is a term used to describe abnormal auditory brain stem response (ABR) in the presence of preserved cochlear outer hair cell functions which can be measured by otoacoustic emissions (OAE). We report a case of auditory neuropathy accompanying unilateral vestibular hypofunction and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The patient was a 50-year-old man who had experienced hearing loss and tinnitus which started two weeks ago. He had taken several medicines for the last few months due to his lung cancer and tuberculosis. ABR and OAE were checked and the results were compatible with auditory neuropathy. To evaluate his vestibular function, video nystagmography, rotatory chair and oculomotor test were checked. The results were compatible with left unilateral vestibular loss and left lateral canal cupulolithiasis. But the patient experienced nearly no vertigo during his daily life. As presented in this case, most of the auditory neuropathy patients do not complain of vertigo. This is probably due to long term central compensation or maybe due to the decreased nerve conduction of the vertiginous sensation. Vestibular evaluation may be crucial in order to detect masked vestibular dysfunction and to protect these patients from imbalance accidents.
