When should we perform images in patients with bilateral asymmetric sensorioneural hearing loss?

Main Article Content

Mariela Torrente
Francisco Vielma

Keywords

Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, audiometry, interaural audiological difference, vestibular schwannoma

Abstract

Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss corresponds to hearing loss with an interaural diffe­rence greater than 10-20 decibels HL. The most relevant cause of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss is vestibular Schwannoma, a slow-growing benign tumor located in the cere­bellopontine angle. The diagnostic method of choice for this pathology is contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, with an estimated prevalence of 1-5%. An important factor to consider is access to this exam and its high cost. In this article, we present a review of the audiometric criteria of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss and its correlation with vesti­bular Schwannoma and propose an algorithm based on audiometric findings that takes in account patient safety and adequate allocation of resources.

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