title: Functional neuroimaging studies in asymmetric hearing loss.
abstract: This article presents an analysis of the impact of functional neuroimaging studies (positron emission tomography, PET) in asymmetric hearing loss based on the clinical expertise obtained from a group of 21 patients. In these patients, PET studies are performed at rest and after auditory stimulation in order to measure the increase in brain activity in the ipsi- and contralateral cortex, providing supporting evidence to recommend a specific treatment and the side to implant. In conclusion, PET is a useful tool for selected cases in which information on the metabolic status of the auditory pathway can drive the decision regarding the treatment of the most appropriate ear. However, in view of our small sample, further research is needed to confirm our results in this topic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Navarre Clinic, Pamplona, Spain.
authors.forename: Marisela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cardier
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zulueta-Santos
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manrique-Huarte
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Prieto
authors.forename: Berta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: García-García
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arbizu
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manrique
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001303:Auditory Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D005260:Female; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging; D046088:Hearing Loss, Unilateral / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D055815:Young Adult