The effect of acoustic neuroma removal on hearing in the contralateral ear.
22 patients with unilateral acoustic neuromas were assessed audiometrically pre- and post-operatively. A high proportion (36%) were found to have a hearing loss of 10 dB or more (6 frequency average) in the contralateral ear in the post-operative period. The evidence points to a cochlear site of the loss, and serial audiograms suggest that the hearing deteriorates in the immediate post-operative period. Follow-up audiometry at three months or more showed that the hearing recovered to pre-operative levels. The possible mechanism of the hearing loss is discussed.
Barratt
H J
HJ
Institute of Neurology, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, UK.
Prasher
D K
DK
D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D006309:Hearing; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012022:Reflex, Acoustic