Acoustic Neuroma Presenting as Sudden Hearing Loss with Recovery

Abstract

In our series of patients operated on for acoustic neuromas at New York University Medical Center between 1974 and 1983, 13% (17 of 133) had sudden hearing loss. Of these, approximately 23% (four of 17) had recovered auditory function before acoustic neuroma extirpation. Three patients spontaneously recovered, while one improved with steroid therapy. Contrast computerized tomography demonstrated a widened internal auditory canal and evidence of cerebellopontine angle tumor, respectively, in 88% and 59% of patients with sudden hearing loss and acoustic neuroma. Clinical characteristics suggesting acoustic neuroma as the cause of sudden hearing loss with or without auditory recovery could not be identified in our series. Our data support the rationale that patients with unilateral sudden hearing loss, even with recovery, must be evaluated for a possible cerebellopontine lesion.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

“…Prognosis of SSNHL due to a discernable etiology depends heavily on that disease process, its duration, specific impact on cochlear structures, and treatment options (Berg et al, 1986;Byl, 1984;Jaffe, 1970;Jeans et al, 2008;Meyerhoff & Pollock, 1990;Narozny et al, 2006;Vuori et al, 1962;Westmore et al, 1979). In many such cases, hearing will not improve following appropriate therapy for the underlying pathologic process (Garcia Berrocal et al, 1999;Lorenzi et al, 2003;Nosrati-Zarenoe et al, 2010;Yimtae et al, 2007).…”

Epidermoid of the Cerebellopontine Angle that Caused Sudden Hearing Loss: Report of a Medically Treated Case

“…In some of the CPA vestibular schwannomas with SSNHL patients, either with unknowingly or deliberately given steroid treatment did not yield in stable hearing results and/or complete improvement of the hearing loss. 10 In our patient, excellent response to the steroid treatment suggests inflammation or oedema of the nerve sheath, rather than some morphological alterations. This may be likened to the facial paralysis due to middle ear cholesteatoma, which is also explained by direct compression and inflammation around the nerve.…”

Sudden Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Management Protocol

“…28 may result and deaths have been reported. 29 Whilst this infusion is being administered, the patient's urine and haematocrit should be closely monitored.…”