Res Vestib Sci.  2009 Jun;8(1):60-65.

Auditory Neuropathy Accompanying Unilateral Vestibulopathy

• Kim HY
• Jung JY
• Rhee CK
• Suh MW

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.

Keyword

Auditory neuropathy; Vestibular Neuronitis; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; Otoacoustic Emissions

MeSH Terms

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
Hearing Loss, Central
Vertigo