Audiological assessment of unilateral deafness

Abstract

Unilateral deafness constitute medical (aetiological diagnosis, treatment, hearing aid fitting) and social problems (no certification of disability). Following audiological examinations were performed in the study: pure tone audiometry (PTA), impedance audiometry, auditory brainstem responses (ABR), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), as well as balance, taste, examinations and electric sensitivity of the acoustic nerve. In cases of tinnitus the parameters of its character were done. All of our patients underwent X-ray investigations, i.e. ear X-ray by Schu¨ller and Stenvers methods, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. In some cases phoniatric and logopaedic examinations were performed. For aetiological diagnosis electrophoresis and immunological test (IgG and IgM against mumps) were carried out. The results were presented in two groups of patients with sudden and those of long lasting progressive unilateral deafness. Some of the patients were pharmacologically treated before the evaluation. It is concluded that the statistic analysis could be a basis for the management and prognosis of the unilateral deafness.